Memphis Literacy

PI: Mark Conley

Memphis Literacy Corps is the largest tutoring program in the United States that focuses on literacy instruction in urban schools. This research-based project is a collaborative effort between researchers and practitioners at the University of Memphis and Memphis City Schools.

The project annually trains 500 college tutors who work with 1500 students in Memphis City Schools. Students in the literacy program have previously been held back at their grade level from one to three times. The program has demonstrated continual success in producing statistically significant gains in word recognition and comprehension while improving students' performance on state tests in reading.

Students also learn about possible future careers through their interactions with the college tutors. The project is currently working to embed new technologies in the tutoring process.