Reader Development

UFLI’s reader development programs serve a dual purpose: to support emergent and struggling readers in our community while simultaneously providing opportunities for University of Florida students to hone their reading instruction and intervention skills.

UFLI Tutoring Models

Research shows that one-on-one tutoring has a positive impact on students by providing additional practice opportunities that promote increased student engagement. Another benefit is that the bond that often develops between tutors and their students helps strengthen students’ self-esteem and self-confidence. UFLI provides one-on-one tutoring support locally through:

Coordination of coursework-aligned practicum experiences for preservice teachers completing teacher preparation programs at UF
- UFLI Foundations Tutoring
- UFLI Intensive Intervention
- UFLI Small Group Intervention
Coordination of the America Reads work-study community service program
Delivery of volunteer tutor training through partnerships with community-based organizations such as Kids Count in Alachua County

These experiences provide UF students and Alachua County residents an opportunity to support the literacy development of children in our local community.

Summer Reading Support

Effective summer school programs can help prevent academic summer loss, and this is part of UFLI’s local efforts as well.

Summer Adventures in Literacy (SAIL)

The Summer Adventures in Literacy (SAIL) school-based summer reading program is designed to reduce summer learning loss and increase students’ foundational reading skills. During the SAIL program, elementary-aged students with or at-risk for reading disabilities are taught using evidence-based instructional practices. Students with the most significant needs receive one-on-one instruction using the UFLI Intensive intervention model. Instruction during SAIL is delivered by special education graduate students under the supervision of UF faculty and teachers serving as instructional coaches. During the last two years, UFLI has partnered with Alachua County Public Schools to host SAIL. Read more about the impact of SAIL and UFLI Intensive.

Other Summer Program Supports

UFLI has also collaborated with several of our partner schools and districts across Florida to help them develop and implement effective summer reading programs for their students. Some of the areas in which we have provided guidance include:

Summer learning experiences for rising third graders
Reading lessons and materials for virtual summer school delivery
Summer school training and supports for rising kindergarten and first grade students