Letter: Reading Corps literacy work is important for students
Published 8:32 am Tuesday, September 9, 2014
I’d like to take a moment to celebrate the excellent efforts of our teachers in Mower County and surrounding districts. As a literacy tutor with the Minnesota Reading Corps serving at Neveln Elementary, I see firsthand the great work they are doing to shape the futures of the children of our community. As we celebrate our teachers, and the beginning of another school year we must also recognize our students face a continuing challenge.
Bradley O’Connor smiles as Curious George comes up to say hi during a stop at Neveln Elementary over the summer. O’Connor was one of several kids taking part in the Reader’s Cafe, where kids could check out books and sign up for the Austin Public Library’s summer reading program. Volunteers from the Reading Corps were helping with the Reading Cafe. Herald file photo
There is a harsh reality facing today’s students, particularly in grades first through third. According to data from 2013 state standardized tests, one in three Minnesota third graders is not reading at grade level. When you consider that 70 percent of today’s jobs require some form of post-secondary education, it has never been more critical to ensure that our students are on the right track.
The Minnesota Reading Corps is working to close this gap. The Minnesota Reading Corps is a statewide initiative designed to help every Minnesota child to be a proficient reader by the end of third grade. Working with a research-based curriculum, Minnesota Reading Corps is seeing positive results among students who have successfully completed the program. (This is significant when you consider that these students were on track to fail, and are now effectively catching up to their peers!)
Last year, I had the opportunity to work one-on-one with students to help them achieve their goals. After serving last year, I grew both professionally and personally but mostly felt great joy as I witnessed each of my students flourish during their time with the Minnesota Reading Corps. I’m proud to have the opportunity to serve in our schools and work with these wonderful kids. It’s gratifying to know that we’re making an impact and as a result will be serving again this year.
Last year there were over 1,000 tutors serving in Minnesota schools with the Minnesota Reading Corps. However, for the 2014-2015 school year, the Corps needs more tutors to serve our children throughout Minnesota and specifically, here in Austin at Neveln Elementary. Anyone can be a tutor, from high school graduates to retirees. More details and applications can be found at www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org.
Again, I salute the great work our teachers are doing, and encourage anyone who is willing to serve to step up! Our children and their futures are certainly worth it.
Sincerely,
Julie Shoars
Minnesota Reading Corps
