Clemson Reading Recovery program receives award from Riley Institute

Published: November 29, 2012

By Evan Lybrand

CLEMSON — Clemson University’s Reading Recovery Training Center has won the Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award of Excellence from the Riley Institute at Furman University.

Part of Clemson’s Eugene T. Moore School of Education, the Reading Recovery Training Center provides training and professional development to teachers who work with struggling first-grade readers. The program offers one-on-one sessions to help improve students’ reading and writing skills.

Clemson University is the training site for the program and supports implementation in school districts across the state. Its purpose is to lessen the burden on the educational system and to help children in need.

“We are excited to win the 2012 Dick and Tunky Riley Award," said Celeste Bates, assistant professor and director of the Reading Recovery Training Center. "Reading Recovery is approaching its 25th anniversary in the state of South Carolina, and this award recognizes years of hard work and dedication from our teachers in the field. We are privileged to provide ongoing training and support to these teachers and we look forward to the next 25 years.

"Over the years, our Reading Recovery interventionists have made the difference in the lives of thousands of children statewide, and I am proud that their everyday work with struggling readers is being recognized,” she said.

WhatWorksSC supports and honors exemplary education initiatives in conjunction with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and State Board of Education.

As the winner, the Reading Recovery Training Center receives a $10,000 grant presented by BB&T.

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