Dyslexia tutoring comes to the Dubuque region
Generous donors have enabled a partnership that helps local adults become tutors and children receive reading support.
When Dubuque resident Kate Sweeney saw her daughter struggling to read, she knew support was needed. Fortunately, she learned that new reading services had recently expanded to the Dubuque region thanks to a partnership between the Community Foundation and Aspire Academy.
After a quick and easy screening process, Aspire paired Kate’s daughter with a local tutor for two one-hour sessions per week.“My daughter improved her iReady reading score by 32 points after just a couple of months and now reads for fun,” Kate says. “It brings us so much joy to see how she has thrived!”
For some children, reading comes easily, and for others, it can be a challenge. In some cases, dyslexia is the cause. We are working to change their experiences for the better. With support from many donors, we are have partnered with Aspire Academy, which trains local residents to be dyslexia tutors and provide services.
The Dubuque region has historically lacked resources for people with this learning disability. The closest dyslexia tutoring centers are 90 minutes away and can have waitlists of up to two years, meaning children who need services now will be at further risk of learning loss as they await availability. Plus, tutoring can be cost-prohibitive for many families.
Tutoring and screening services are now available for children in kindergarten through high school in Dubuque, Allamakee and Jones counties. Tutors are trained in the Wilson Reading System, an Orton-Gillingham method, and work one-on-one in person with students. We also offer scholarships for students based on family income.
“We are proud to partner with Aspire Academy and grateful to the generous donors who have made these services possible in our region,” says Program Officer Josie Manternach, who oversees the partnership.
Tutoring and Contact Info
Become a Tutor Josie Manternach | josie@dbqfoundation.org | 563-588-2700
Schedule Services Katie Redington | kredington@aspireiowa.com | 515-249-8286 | dubuque.aspireiowa.com
Make a Gift to Support Scholarships | dbqfoundation.org/EndowECR