English Reading Center (ERC)
2002-2004
Description
The English Reading Center (ERC) functions as a place for any student to receive tutorial assistance in reading and vocabulary study and for English 105/6/7 students to complete assigned activities. As per plans outlined in the previous Tech Plan, during the summer of 2002, the ERC moved to room 545 and underwent a remodel to better utilize space, but without any gain in square footage.
Used by both walk-in students and English 105/6/7 students, the new location houses 25 new Pentium computers installed during summer 2002. Software available includes Ultimate Speed Reader and WordSmart. Students also have access to the Internet to search for assigned reading activities.
The students enrolled in English 105/6/7 and Project Success classes especially benefit from the tutoring services available because both the tutorial services and the computer software are targeted to support their vocabulary and reading curricular requirements. However, all services currently available are beneficial to any student who seeks to improve reading and vocabulary skills.
In its new configuration, the ERC continues to serve a growing number of students. As the ERC is used concurrently by both walk-in students and English 105/6/7students who must use the computers to complete assignments, restricted space continues to be problematic. Additionally, as more growth in the college’s student population is anticipated and because the English Department is particularly sensitive to serving the needs of the diverse student population, the English Department is preparing to add study skills to the tutoring services available. With this expansion of services coupled with continued student growth, it is essential that the ERC continually evaluate a means to secure more space to serve the students, continue recruiting qualified tutors, and review the available software for currency and appropriateness.
Approximate Number of Students Served
English 105/6/7: Approximately 682 English 105/6/7 students use the computers weekly to complete reading and vocabulary activities. By so doing, they each spend about 30 minutes on the computers, which translates into approximately 4910 grade visit hours.
English 299: Other students utilizing walk-in services, including tutoring and computer access, will account for approximately 728 grade visit hours. This latter number is more than double the number of hours recorded for spring of 2002.
Support Impact
Currently, the ERC is staffed with one advanced tutor and ten basic tutors, one of whom is dedicated to serving the needs of Project Success students. The ERC is open 54 hours per week. The Instructional and Computing Department currently supports the technical needs of the Center as needed.
Year 1 (2002-2003)
Objectives
1. Expand tutoring services offered to include study skills assistance for students.
2. Provide supervised tutoring during all open hours.
3. Continue to review and possibly purchase appropriate software to support reading, vocabulary, and expanded study skills instruction to be offered in the ERC
Action to Meet Objectives
1. Work with Counseling, DSP&S, and EOPS to identify study skills instructional needs of students.
2. Continue to staff the ERC with tutors.
3. As funds become available, purchase appropriate software.
4. Submit request for staffing the ERC with a full time lab specialist.
5. Identify department members willing to serve on a task force to review ERC expansion alternatives.
Year 2 (2003-2004)
Objectives
1. Launch expanded ERC study skills instructional services.
2. Hire a full-time lab specialist, if not accomplished in 2002-2003.
3. Continue to meet tutoring and software needs of all students.
4. Identify a feasible plan for expansion of the ERC.
Action to Meet Objectives
1. Actively advertise expanded study skills instructional services.
2. Submit staffing request for ERC lab specialist.
3. Increase staffing and purchase software as necessary.
4. Work with the college Facilities Committee to secure more space for expanded services.