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Lamar PALS Make a Difference
Through a partnership with Lamar University and Curtis Elementary, Lamar holds three undergraduate literacy courses at Curtis. Throughout the day, Lamar students work with students on reading skills and a different set of students on writing skills.
“The basic premise of establishing a school/university partnership was not only to learn about literacy methods and theories but for our university students to be able to view these methods and theories in action and apply them while working one-on-one with an elementary student,” said Lamar University Assistant Professor of Teacher Education Dr. Stacey Bumstead. “Elementary students work with the same university student all semester long; therefore, building relationships and working on literacy skills. Both university and elementary students find the experience rewarding.”
Curtis Elementary 2nd grade teacher Jill Gerlufsen has seen tremendous reading and writing growth in her students. “We are so lucky to have the Lamar Reading/Writing block on our campus! Second-grade students develop a great relationship with their ‘Pal’ which helps them to become comfortable working together,” said Gerlufsen. “The one on one time is very beneficial for children.”
The Lamar literacy block has partnered with Beaumont ISD for over 8 years, working with students at Bingman, Pietzsch-MacArthur, Dishman and Curtis. “The partnership works best when the principal and teachers buy into the program. That takes time and it requires building trust and rapport with all facets of the elementary school, from the secretaries, librarians, janitors, teachers and principals,” said Bumstead. “Once teachers see any improvement in their elementary students’ literacy skills, whether it is a boost in self-confidence, phonemic awareness, word analysis, fluency or comprehension, they are usually on board with the program. The beauty of the partnership is that we work together as a team to ensure that both the university and elementary students experience meaningful opportunities to maximize learning.” The Lamar partnership is in its third year at Curtis and they plan to continue next school year.
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