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Volunteer readers sought for learning program By VICKI GUARINO What's expected; how to sign up The organizers of SMART -- Start Making A Reader Today -- are looking for adult and high school-age volunteers to read to elementary school students. Volunteers must be able to devote one hour a week and must go through a training program. To volunteer or learn more about SMART, call 734-5628. volunteer reading program launched in two Medford schools six years ago has expanded this fall to include youngsters from Ashland to Williams. And the demand for adults willing to read to elementary kids still outpaces the supply of volunteers, say organizers of SMART -- Start Making A Reader Today. As the new school year begins, SMART is seeking more volunteers to keep the program going. Positions are available for SMART readers at 19 schools in nearly a dozen communities. The statewide program initiated by former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt and Oregon business leaders matches volunteers with needy students for a one-hour reading session once a week. The initial aim is to improve reading skills, but the broader goal is to boost learning by giving the child special attention and building self-esteem. "Sometimes, they're good readers, but they need extra attention and a role model," says SMART volunteer and training coordinator Tracy Hatten. For the first time this fall, SMART readers will be at Ruch, Helman, Orchard Hill and Williams elementary schools. Hatten says coordinators also are working with school staff to begin SMART programs in Prospect and Butte Falls. Volunteers primarily are parents, grandparents or other adults with an interest in helping kids. SMART is widening its volunteer search, however, to include high school students. "We definitely want to encourage teens," Hatten says. Also, there is a need for bilingual volunteers who can read aloud and converse with Hispanic youngsters. Among this year's crop of volunteers is a former SMART student. Now in fifth grade, the student will be a junior SMART reader, filling in when an adult volunteer is unavailable, Hatten says. More youngsters are expected to fill in as junior readers in coming years. Hatten says many youngsters have said they want to volunteer. Hatten was one of the first SMART readers at Washington Elementary School. Washington and Jackson elementary schools were the first SMART reader sites in Jackson County. Volunteers need to be available for weekly, hour-long school visits from about October to mid-May. The local SMART office, at 670 Superior Court, Medford, will provide training later this month. Volunteers will be informed of school safety and confidentiality rules, as well as techniques for teaching and reading to young children. Hatten says children participating in SMART are selected by their teacher, and SMART readers coordinate their efforts with the teacher. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA