Literacy & Reading Partners

Our Community’s Problem

According to the California Standards Tests only 37 percent of third graders read at or above grade level. More sadly still, the majority of them never catch up. That is because they are expected to learn to read through the third grade. After that they are expected to be able to read to learn. When that does not happen, students are more likely to drop out of high school and face a job market that offers ever fewer unskilled jobs. Thus our whole community suffers long-term.

An Opportunity for Rotarians, Spouses and Friends

We are a well-educated group. Many of us are retired or semi-retired, and many are parents and grandparents and have experience reading with children. Rotarians can make a huge difference in the lives of students who are falling behind by tutoring them weekly.

What is Required

A member, spouse or friend who wants to participate has to be willing to spend two hours a week with an elementary school student who reads a half-year to two-and-a half years below grade level. They would meet at an elementary school reading center for at least a semester. Of course they can take time off for trips, family matters, etc. Lesson plans and on-site help are provided.

Other requirements:

•  A negative tuberculosis test. You go to a location in the district twice. At the second visit you get a certificate.

•  Fingerprinting and a LiveScan background check

•  Take a 20 to 30-minute online orientation.

•  Go to a reading center to shadow a tutor for an hour.

The Literacy Committee makes it easy.

Through Reading Partners, a Rotarian, spouse or friend can easily fulfill the requirements. Steve Huffman will help you select one of 11 schools in our area and put you in contact with the Reading Partners site coordinator there. Email him today at steve@huffmanstrategy.com or phone him at 214-4500.