Reading program closing gap between Hispanic and white students | The Republic: A tiny Utah school district has figured out a way to bring Hispanic students up to par on reading scores: put older students to work as reading mentors in elementary school.
The approach being taken at schools in rural Delta means more personal attention for Latino students who need extra help reading, said Millard School District Assistant Superintendent Scott Bassett.
The mentors take pride in their work, too.
"I feel like I am a hero in a way," Oscar Gonzalez told the Deseret News. "Some of them have the biggest smile when they see me. It's just interacting with them that makes my day."
Officials say the Latinos in Action program is narrowing the reading gap between Hispanics and white students. It also has helped raise the graduation rate of older Hispanic students.
Gonzalez said helping other students has given him a greater sense of purpose and raised his own GPA.
