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Completed: Books to Increase Literacy for Special Needs Students

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"I work at a large urban public High School in New York City. I currently teach remedial reading skills and English Language Arts to 9th and 10th grade Special Education students. The ultimate goal is for these unique students to attend college someday as capable and confident readers.

My students... " MORE

"I work at a large urban public High School in New York City. I currently teach remedial reading skills and English Language Arts to 9th and 10th grade Special Education students. The ultimate goal is for these unique students to attend college someday as capable and confident readers.

My students are struggling readers with numerous behavioral and learning disabilities. Many of the High School texts available in the library are not of particular interest to them, nor are they on their appropriate reading levels. The ultimate goal for these students it to attend college, which they can not do if they do not increase their reading skills. I need books for my classroom that students can and will read; books that are high interest but lower reading level. I feel that the only way these students will improve their reading is by practicing, which is impossible to do if they do not have accessible, high interest books to read. These students are in a large, low-funded urban public school. Every little bit counts.

Until the past two years, we have been provided with young adult books to provide our students for independent reading. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, teachers and students no longer receive a classroom library. These students are bright and motivated but are simply at a lower current reading level than many other students. For these students to attend college, it is essential that they become confident readers. I have been supplementing my old library with my own money but there is simply not enough. I need to give these children modern, accessible, interesting books that are on their reading levels, whether it be 3rd, 5th or 9th grade. I have chosen a wide array of books for my students to read; books that will inspire and empower them; books that they will enjoy reading.

If you assist these Special Education students by donating books, you will be offering them a chance to feel like everyone else. These students want to become confident, successful readers and get into college. In order to do this, these students must find the joy in reading without being embarrassed or ashamed. I want them to find delight in reading, no matter what their current reading level or ability. As I tell them every day, the only way for them to become better readers is to practice, practice, practice. By supporting these students, you are giving them the chance to improve their literacy and reading comprehension skills which will give them the chance to attend college like other students their age. Thank you so very much.

My students need 1-15 copies of 23 book titles and book sets, from "Go Ask Alice" to "Eclipse". The cost of this proposal is $1,095, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

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Ms. M. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Nov 11, 2009
Dear Bridget, Lori, Jennifer, Aunt Linda, paul, Paul, anthony, spencer, Erica, Keslie, Lizzy, Alan, KAREN, Ken and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 


I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for your generous donations to my students. In difficult economic times, it is so wonderful that people like you can reach into your hearts and give to others, especially children in need.

When I was in High School, books were everywhere; in the classroom, at the beautiful school library, in my home. For my students, this is not the case. They do not enjoy reading for many reasons, one being that they have not been given access to great books. Through your donations, you have helped to change this.

Thank you so very much and God bless!

With gratitude,
Ms. M.

Photos coming soon!

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Christine V. (volunteer) on Nov 2, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
John C. (associate) on Nov 4, 2009
"I gave to this project because my dear friend's daughter is an avid promotor of this cause and I am a strong believer in literacy education, and am happy to support children in NY"
KAREN from New York gave on Nov 4, 2009
"I gave to this project because Elisabeth Mueller is the most dedicated teacher I know !!"
paul from New York gave on Nov 5, 2009
"I gave to this project because Ms. Elisa inspires others to make a difference in their lives. "
Aunt Linda from New York gave on Nov 5, 2009
"I gave to this project because Elisa Mueller inspires others to make a difference in their lives."
Aunt Linda from New York on Nov 5, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Lizzy from Pennsylvania gave on Nov 5, 2009
"I gave to this project because I am a HUGE fan of reading and I think that students should have the chance to read something that really interests them."
Keslie from Charlotte, NC gave on Nov 9, 2009
Alan from New York gave in support of Avram's Sandy Mustache (name courtesy of Dave G) on Nov 9, 2009
"Thank you so very much for your generous donations! We are very close to our final goal and my students are so excited about the new books! God bless you!"
The teacher Ms. M. on Nov 10, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in New York (City)."
Jennifer from New York gave in support of Maximilian Bode's Bodacious Mustache on Nov 10, 2009
"I gave to this project because reading was one of my favorite past times as a kid and if my friend Dom is willing to grow a crazy mustache for this cause, I am happy to support him and his efforts."
Erica from New Jersey gave in support of Dominic Militello's Mustache on Nov 10, 2009
"Good luck with you mustache!"
Ken from New York, NY gave in support of Oliver's Mustache "La Revolucion" on Nov 10, 2009
spencer from Massachusetts gave in support of Dominic Militello's Mustache on Nov 10, 2009
Lori from Cambridge, MA gave on Nov 10, 2009
"I gave because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Kind of like a mustachioed kiss. "
Bridget from New York, NY gave in support of Oliver's Mustache "La Revolucion" on Nov 10, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
anthony from New York gave in support of Dominic Militello's Mustache on Nov 11, 2009
"I donated because the project will bring important learning opportunities to the classroom."
Paul from APO AE, NY gave on Nov 11, 2009
"We provided DonorsChoose.org with matching funds for projects that improve college readiness. We believe that when all people in the United States have the opportunity to develop their talents, our society thrives."

gave on Nov 11, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Nov 11, 2009
The teacher Ms. M. on Nov 11, 2009
Purchased the books for Ms. M.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member) on Nov 12, 2009
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
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