IN THE CLASSROOM:

After school at College Park Elementary in Costa Mesa, several of the classrooms remain full. At each table, one Vanguard University grad student teaches two students reading and writing comprehension in a hushed environment.

Second graders Juan “Carlos” Gutierrez and Giovani Perez are read-racing in the corner of one classroom.

Using flash cards with letters and word roots, the words in front of the boys change. “Maid” becomes “made;” “same” becomes “tame” which becomes “game.” Lurching over the table to get a look at the new word, Carlos shouts it out, breaking the silence in the room.

Sometimes Carlos wins, sometimes he doesn’t. But in the end, he and Giovani are learning and having fun.

The education is reciprocated.

“I’m learning how to better help them read. We’re giving them the tools to help them sound out words,” said grad student Kerry Cass, who hopes to become a second grade teacher.

Every Monday for an hour, 55 College Park Elementary students team up with 28 Vanguard students.

While the elementary kids hone reading skills, the grad students refine their teaching methods and work toward a teaching credential.

“What they have is an opportunity to connect the theory with the practice. They really appreciate that they see growth in their students, they’re a little surprised and shocked to see it and think ‘wow,’” said Vanguard education professor Dolores Gaunty-Porter. “Some develop such an emotional tie they want to continue to see and work with students afterward.”

College Park teachers recommend the after-school program for students just below reading proficiency for their grade level, Gaunty-Porter said.

The kids’ improvements should be evident by the last session, when they’re expected to perform a little play before their peers.

They’ll need to read and understand what is going on in their story for the play to make sense, Gaunty-Porter said.

Along the way they are getting practice.

Some are writing summaries of their stories, some act them out and others connect the readings to things they’re interested in.

“I think the program is great, they’re able to get the attention they need,” said parent Keith Dunn. “Our daughter is ecstatic when she comes home, she reads all the signs on the way home. I’m happy they’re taking the time out to work with them on a one on one basis.”

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at joseph.serna@latimes.com.