CLU to Host State Reading Program

Cal Lutheran University has received a grant to become the newest site for the California Reading and Literature Program.

Cal Lutheran, the first private university to host the program, will offer various institutes and seminars for teachers to help them better teach reading and literature, said Lynda Paige Fulford, CLU’s public information director.

The program is one of nine subject-matter projects in the state and is governed by the University of California office of the president.

“The project’s focus is on increasing student achievement through continuing teacher education,” Fulford said.

The California Reading and Literature Program supports professional development for whose who teach reading and literature in kindergarten through 12th grade or in university classrooms, Fulford said.

The program is designed to ensure that every California student achieves high standards in reading and language arts, she said.

“Our school of education has a great reputation for excellence in the area of reading instruction,” said Carol Bartell, dean of Cal Lutheran’s school of education.

For the last two years, Cal Lutheran has received grants from Gov. Gray Davis’ Reading Reform Initiative to fund professional development institutes to focus on reading for pre-kindergarten through high school teachers, Fulford said.