MAYOR MANNY DIAZ TOURS CITY OF MIAMI SUMMER READING PROGRAM

 

September 1, 2004 - (Miami, FL) - On Tuesday morning, August 3^rd, 2004, at 10:00 am, City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz held a press conference at the Virrick Park Community Center in Coconut Grove to inform the public about the City of Miami Summer Reading program and to watch the program in action.

 

The City of Miami Summer Reading Program has implemented the program in 20 parks with 25 certified teachers.   The program serves 1,300 children ages 5 to 15 years old.   The program includes an assessment piece that allows the teacher to determine each child’s reading level, so as to individualize instruction and to assist in the grouping of students.   The teachers have been provided a structure that allows for a level of flexibility based upon professional judgment.  The City has identified the importance of highly qualified teachers within the beginning stages of the development of the reading program.  Their insight and input regarding the challenges being faced will be utilized to refine and improve the program in the future.

 

The Summer Reading program is a successful collaboration between the Miami-Dade County Public School System (MDCPS) and the City of Miami. 25 teachers from the Miami-Dade Public School system have been brought in to administer the program to children in 20 different parks throughout the City. The program is available free of charge, and to any child who wishes to participate.

 

Students work in small groups, where a beneficial student to teacher ratio helps maximize instruction. The students – ranging from Kindergarten to Middle School – are taught in respect to their individual reading levels.

 

The City of Miami Summer Reading Program was developed based upon funding from the Miami Dade County Public School System’s Summer Reading Enhancement Grant.   The monies have been granted to agencies that provide reading enrichment services to children that would normally be participating in summer school.  

 

Mayor Diaz has a clear focus on discovering how the City of Miami can best support its City’s schools.  His office has worked closely with the Parks and Recreation Department in developing the newly structured City of Miami Reading program.  The curriculum shadows the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Comprehensive Reading Plan and was developed under the advisement of the school system’s Reading Department. 

 

After being granted funding,  Lisa Martinez, Mayor Diaz’ Senior Advisor on Education Policy and Youth Initiatives, spearheaded the development of a teacher’s manual, teacher workshop, and a competitive interview/hiring process for interested certified teachers.   Additionally, Mayor Diaz’ office is facilitating and overseeing the implementation and evaluation of the program throughout the duration of the five-week program.

 

The program includes assessment and is designed to compliment the existing curriculum in schools. The five week program, which began on July 1^st, wraps up at the end of this week. 

 

Mayor Diaz is committed to exploring new and innovative ways to support and enhance the services of our City’s schools.  Involvement within the development of sound educational programming within City of Miami parks demonstrates the City’s commitment to youth begins in its own parks.   Mayor Diaz’ Education and Mentoring Initiatives will explore new avenues of involvement in and out of the City’s schools, but efforts will be heavily focused on supporting the school system in closing the achievement gap and recognizing the importance of civically engaged youth that value commitment to community.

 

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