Overview The School of Education at Boston University offers an array of services to develop the literacy knowledge and skills of struggling readers and writers and the teachers and administrators who serve them.  Through educational services, courses, conferences, and institutes, the School of Education applies research-based knowledge to the development of children’s literacy skills and the enhancement of teachers’ classroom practices.  At present, services are offered through three major initiatives:  The Donald Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic, the Professional Development in Literacy Institute, and the Literacy at Work Program.

Donald D. Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic (RWC)
The Donald Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic at Boston University serves elementary and middle school students who experience difficulty with reading and writing. Students who enroll in the program have a range of learning profiles:  some struggle just a bit, while others experience severe reading and writing difficulty.  Some have specific educational needs, while others are not eligible in their respective schools for special support services in reading and writing.  Some do reasonably well in reading but struggle with writing.

Students who attend the RWC are evaluated in five key domains of literacy using a collection of research-validated informal and formal assessments. Based on the results of these assessment results, an individualized tutoring plan is designed that builds on students’ identified strengths while addressing their needs with instructional approaches that lead to improved reading and writing proficiency.  All instruction is provided by teachers who are experts in literacy.

The RWC offers 4 sessions in the course of each calendar year:  two 15-week terms that meet on Saturday mornings during the academic year, and two 4-week terms that meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings during the summer.

The Professional Development in Literacy
The School of Education also offers courses, conferences, and symposia that provide educators with the latest research on best practices in students’ literacy development.  Information on these offerings can be found on the Professional Development page.

Literacy at Work Program
The Literacy at work Program offers workplace literacy development for adult seeking to improve their reading and writing.  This program is appropriate for both native and non-native speakers of English.  The start-up date for this program is scheduled for the academic year 2008-2009.  As we near the start-up date, more information will be posted on this site.