Athens State University opens reading lab

Published 4:00 pm Saturday, November 18, 2017

Officials with Athens State University recently announced the opening of a new College of Education reading lab.

The goal of the lab is to provide teacher candidates with firsthand experience in teaching reading strategies, creating reading resources, role playing and practice teaching reading.

“We think it’s a great opportunity to help our students deepen their learning as they learn various strategies to help students,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, dean of the College of Education. “They now have the time and opportunity to model and practice the strategies they’ve learned in class, so that when they go out for field experience and internships, they are prepared.”

Dr. Jameha Gardner, an association professor of education at Athens State, said a large percentage of children are reading below grade level, nationally speaking. She added one way to address the issue is to produce “excellent” reading instructors.

“Teacher candidates of Athens State University will participate in face-to-face reading courses held in the reading lab,” she said. “The lab provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is conducive to learning.”