ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio University College of Education's partnership programs will be in the spotlight Friday, May 9, when Hope Taft, first lady of Ohio, will visit Chauncey Elementary School to observe tutoring sessions between Ohio University teacher education students in the Chauncey Literacy Partnership at the school and the elementary students they tutor.

The Chauncey Literacy Partnership -- one of four collaborative programs the College of Education has with Athens-area schools -- focuses on in-depth literacy learning and developing specific reading strengths.

During her visit, Taft, a longtime advocate of programs that promote positive youth development and strengthen families, will learn about the college's partnership programs, their impact on teacher education at Ohio University and the effects of the programs on students and faculty at the collaborating schools.

Taft is scheduled to arrive at the school in Chauncey at 11:30 a.m. After brief introductions and overview of the programs, Mrs. Taft will hear presentations by partnership students, followed by a short question-and-answer session.

At 12:15 p.m. Taft, who tutors a middle school student weekly, will have the chance to observe tutoring sessions between Ohio University Partnership students and Chauncey Elementary students. The first lady of Ohio will then be able to look in on Partnership students as they teach in two different classrooms.

There will be a final opportunity for questions with Taft at 1 p.m. before she wraps up her Chauncey visit at 1:15 p.m.