Research shows that reading proficiency by the end of third grade enables students to shift from learning to read to reading to learn, and to master the more complex subject matter they encounter in later curriculum. Students who fail to reach this critical milestone are at risk to falter in the later years.
Starting Strong works to close achievement gaps and increase the percentage of Portland students reading proficiently by focusing on three strategies.
Expand access to training and professional development for staff supporting grade-level reading proficiency
Increase access to individualized literacy support for low-performing students
Engage and empower parents to support their child’s academic success
In 2018, 78% of students participating in Starting Strong’s Reading Partners program at Ocean Avenue School in Portland met or exceeded spring literacy benchmarks as assessed by the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Reading Assessment.
Specific PreK to 3rd Grade literacy initiatives have included:
Opening the World of Learning (OWL) curriculum training
Reading Partners volunteer tutoring program for first graders
Literacy Kits for English Language Learner (ELL) families
In Fall 2015, Starting Strong developed its Reading Partners program at Ocean Avenue School in Portland. In this program, first-grade students who need extra reading support are matched with skilled volunteers to receive approximately 25 minutes of tutoring twice a week. Specifically, volunteers engage students in activities to support the literacy process, including sight word recognition, fluency practice, and comprehension.
Starting Strong’s first Reading Partners cohort included 25 students, 13 of whom were learning English. 78% of participating students met or exceeded spring literacy benchmarks as assessed by the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Reading Assessment. Today, Starting Strong and Portland Public Schools have expanded the Reading Partners program to Lyseth, Rowe, Riverton, East End and Reiche Elementary Schools.
Grade-Level Reading
Research shows that reading proficiency by the end of third grade enables students to shift from learning to read to reading to learn, and to master the more complex subject matter they encounter in later curriculum. Students who fail to reach this critical milestone are at risk to falter in the later years.
Starting Strong works to close achievement gaps and increase the percentage of Portland students reading proficiently by focusing on three strategies.
Specific PreK to 3rd Grade literacy initiatives have included:
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Impact
In Fall 2015, Starting Strong developed its Reading Partners program at Ocean Avenue School in Portland. In this program, first-grade students who need extra reading support are matched with skilled volunteers to receive approximately 25 minutes of tutoring twice a week. Specifically, volunteers engage students in activities to support the literacy process, including sight word recognition, fluency practice, and comprehension.Starting Strong’s first Reading Partners cohort included 25 students, 13 of whom were learning English. 78% of participating students met or exceeded spring literacy benchmarks as assessed by the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Reading Assessment. Today, Starting Strong and Portland Public Schools have expanded the Reading Partners program to Lyseth, Rowe, Riverton, East End and Reiche Elementary Schools.