Karen Andreasen

Andreasen's "Turn on to Reading" program bridges the academic gap between English as a Second Language (ESL) students and the mainstream curriculum in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students take home audio books and tape recorders to practice reading skills and continue to learn at home. Many ESL students report that parents enjoy listening to their children read and also try to learn from the materials sent home. This engages the family in the learning process. The project diversifies instruction and boosts academic achievement for some of the neediest and most at-risk students.