Anderson University Opens On-site Reading Clinic
3 MIN. READ
Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University has opened the doors to its new on-site reading clinic, offering online and in-person reading support thanks to a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Anderson University received a $750,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Advancing the Science of Reading (SoR) in Indiana in 2024. The funding supports the Department of Teacher Education in improving reading instruction in Indiana.
“Our mission is reading excellence for all children through educator preparation in reading science,” said Dr. Katy Sample, associate professor of education. “By combining robust teacher preparation with direct service to students, the initiative addresses both immediate educational needs and the long-term goal of enhancing literacy outcomes in the community.”
Along with establishing the clinic, the grant supports professional development for faculty, tutor wages, load release for faculty, and course revisions, including providing Keys to Beginning Reading for all elementary education candidates.
The Reading Clinic was developed to provide teacher candidates with hands-on, practical experience in implementing science of reading-aligned interventions. The clinic directly supports the overarching goal of improving teacher preparation in reading science by creating an environment where candidates can practice under close supervision, using evidence-based methods proven to improve literacy outcomes.
It features 10 fully-equipped tutoring stations, each with iPads and other hands-on tools essential for implementing science of reading lessons. A variety of decodable books were also purchased to support instruction.
Teacher candidates have the unique opportunity to tutor students between their classes, with minimal disruption to their schedules. This practical experience builds their skills and confidence in delivering science of reading interventions.
AU currently serves elementary schools in Anderson, Alexandria, and Indianapolis. Parents from the community also bring their children directly to the clinic. By the end of the academic year, AU is projected to train 34 tutors, serve 60 students, and complete more than 1,300 tutoring sessions.
AU partners with The Reading Institute, which provides instructional materials and training for tutors in two science of reading-aligned interventions: Reading Ready and Reading Go!
Learn more about Anderson University’s Department of Teacher Education online and more about the Lilly Endowment Grant.
What AU students are saying about the AU Reading Clinic:
“Working in the reading lab as a Reading Ready tutor has not only been an enjoyable experience but has also enhanced my teaching abilities. I have learned how to build meaningful rapport with students on an individual level through one-on-one interactions. Over the course of the semester, I develop a connection with the child I tutor, and they become a part of my day that I genuinely look forward to. This role has given me valuable practice in planning and executing lessons tailored to each child’s performance, unique strengths, and areas of growth. Through this process, I have gained a deeper understanding of the foundations of reading and how to apply evidence-based strategies to foster literacy development,” Moriah Doran, junior elementary education major with a complementary dance major.
“Being a reading tutor at the reading clinic on campus has been an incredibly rewarding experience. For me, it’s not just about them learning how to read, it’s about seeing their confidence grow as they unlock a world of possibilities ahead of them. Every time I come to work in the clinic, I’m reminded why I love what I do and it makes me very excited for my future ahead, in my own classroom. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on young learners right here in the local community, which is something I am very passionate about. I’ve learned just as much from them as they have from me, which is something I will forever be grateful for,” Kalyn Dilts, junior elementary education major with a special education minor.
“Working as a tutor in the reading clinic has not only allowed me to build stronger connections with my fellow education majors but also to make a meaningful impact on the students we have the privilege to help,” Sandra Clayton, sophomore elementary education major with a special education minor.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.