The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading works to ensure that all children read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. So why third grade?
Third grade is the point at which children go from learning how to read to using their reading skills in order to learn new things. According to the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, nearly 80% of children who are not proficient readers by the end of third grade will go on to drop out of high school. Currently, 67% of children nationwide miss this critical benchmark, as do 80% of low-income children.
But, when communities come together, more children can become proficient readers. Helping children learn to read is not just the responsibility of schools or of libraries, but of the entire community, from families to faith-based organizations, from aftercare programs to arts programs. Together, we can help more children meet this benchmark and go on to succeed academically and in life. Because of our collaborative Campaign for Grade-Level Reading initiative, Star City Reads, the City of Roanoke has won a record seven All-America City Awards. The 2012 award was for our plan for Star City Reads, while the 2017 award was for our progress so far.
Check out this video to learn more: http://gradelevelreading.net/video-the-statisticks-lottery.
You can also learn more about the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading here