Meeting Sponsor for April 11, 2011
Rotarian John Finegan represented our luncheon sponsor, STAND UP, and shared the following sobering statistics:
The public education system in Sacramento is failing far too many students. Only 39% of third grade students in Sacramento can read on grade level. More than 75% of students who are not on grade level by the third grade will never catch up. By the 11th grade, only 18% of Sacramento students are ready for college level English. Future prison populations are estimated based on current 3rd grade reading/school performance.
STAND UP is a Sacramento-based education nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to attend an excellent public school.
STAND UP's deputy director, Andie Corso, joined the head table and stayed after lunch to talk with Rotarians about STAND UP.
STAND UP was launched on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009 & became a priority initiative of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.
STAND UP has embarked on an ambitious agenda to reform failing public schools in the Sacramento region.
STAND UP focuses on five core values:
• Kids Come First
• Great Teachers in Every Classroom
• Parents Deserve Choices
• Invest in What Works
• Measure and Reward Results
Some key STAND UP initiatives are: To Bring Teach for America and City Year programs to Sacramento; increase 3rd grade reading proficiency from our current 39% of 3rd graders reading at grade level to 100%; encourage parental engagement in education; initiate school report cards that are simple; promote school choice.
STAND UP encourages those who desire a better education for our children to join the organization. Rotarians who sign up for STAND UP can join a booked April 18th STAND UP event featuring Michelle Rhee, former DC Schools Chancellor and founder of StudentsFirst.
To become a member and for more information on STAND UP Rotarians are encouraged to visit: http://www.standup.org/