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Areas of Expertise

Southeast Comprehensive Assistance Center (SECAC) Resources

Note: These resources were produced by the Southeast Comprehensive Assistance Center, which was operated by SEDL from 1995-2005.

Click here to return to the resources page for the Reading Success Network.

Free Reading Resources

1. The Compact for Reading Guide and Home-Links Kit

   The Guide explains how to develop an effective compact for reading. A compact is a written agreement among families, teachers, principals, and students from kindergarten through third grade. It describes how all partners can help improve the reading skills of all children-including those with special needs. Tutors and other community members can also be partners in a compact for reading.
   

   The School-Home Links Kit helps implement local reading compacts. Developed by a team of teachers in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, this kit includes 100 one-page reading activities for each grade from kindergarten through third. Teachers can provide these easy-to-use activities to families, which encourages involvement in reading activities and support of school learning.
   

   To order: U.S. Department of Education
   (877) 4ED-PUBS
   http://www.ed.gov/pubs/CompactforReading/index.html
   
   

2. Read * Write * Now! Poster, Tip Sheet and Basic Kit

   The Read*Write*Now! Activity Poster has a colorful illustration on the front and fun activities for children in kindergarten through six on the back. Students may write book review for publication on America Reads' Web site. Available in English and Spanish
   

   To order: U.S. Department of Education
   (877) 4ED-PUBS
   

   The Read*Write*Now! Tip Sheet for Developing a Community Reading Program-for librarians, teachers, camp counselors, and community leaders-offers straightforward suggestions for developing summer or after-school reading programs. Available in English and Spanish.
   

   To order: U.S. Department of Education
   (877) 4ED-PUBS
   

   The Read*Write*Now! Basic Kit to develop and build language and literacy skills from birth through grade six, includes fun reading and writing activities, a vocabulary log, and a certificate.
   

   To download: U.S. Department of Education
   http://www.ed.gov/Family/RWN/Activ97/index.html
   
   

3. Simple Things You Can Do To Help All Children Read Well
   and Independently by the End of Third Grade

   This booklet is a guide that all community members can use to help children learn to read and become betters readers. It includes a general outline for starting a literacy program, with suggestions organized according to the type of group.
   

   To order: (877) 4ED-PUBS
   
   

4. Beginning to Read

   This article gives an overview of the critical role that phonological awareness and word recognition play in teaching beginning reading to children with diverse learning needs. It includes tips for teachers.
   

   To download:
   http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/reading/ericE565.html
   
   

5. Learning to Read, Reading to Learn Information Kit

   The kit provides information for parents and teachers to help children with learning disabilities to succeed. It includes a resource guide, a list of principles for learning to read, and a bibliography.
   

   To order: U.S. Department of Education (877) 4ED-PUBS
   
   

6. Reading Helpers: A Guide for Training Tutors

   This manual outlines 36 hours of preservice and inservice training for tutors working with children from preschool through third grade. Lesson plans, handouts, and an extensive resource list are included.
   

   To order: National Service Resource Center
   http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/
   
   

7. Where to Find Inexpensive or Free Children's Books

   This brochure lists organizations and publishers to contact about free books and ideas for holding a community book drive.
   

   To download: LEARNS
   http://www.nwrel.org/learns/resources/startup/inexpensive.html
   
   

8. Guidelines for Tutoring English Language Learners

   This brochure lists simple guidelines for tutoring students whose home language is not English. It includes tips for the tutor and links to relevant resources.
   

   To download: LEARNS
   http://www.nwrel.org/learns/resources/ell/index.html
   
   

9. Museums and Learning: A Guide for Family Visits

   This guide for parents and teachers of children between the ages of 4 and 12 shows how museums can inspire, inform, and build skills for both classroom and lifelong learning. It is full of useful suggestions for parents and teachers on how they can make the most of their museum visits for their children.
   

   To order: U.S. Department of Education
   (877) 4ED-PUBS
   
   

10. Learning Disabilities Online (LD Online)

    This Web site offers easy to understand information and resources on learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. It is a service of The Learning Project at WETA-TV, in cooperation with the Coordinated Campaign on Learning Disabilities.
    

    To use: LD Online
    http://www.ldonline.org