The 3 to 3 Project

Reading is key by Grade 3

Student Advocacy’s five year initiative to promote reading among disadvantaged children from 3 months through the 3rd grade. This project is in development.

Problem

In high school, poor readers are 20 times more likely to drop out than strong readers. Low scores on reading tests in 1st grade forecast dropout risk with considerable accuracy. The impact of poor reading skills multiplies rapidly after the third grade when children are expected to learn other subjects through reading assignments. At the end of the third grade, every student’s reading skills are assessed on a state test. In Westchester in 2007, 62% of students with disabilities and 42% from low‐income families scored below grade level.

The community services to address these issues for kids from birth to age 5 is fragmented leaving many gaps in helping kids maintaining consistency in their reading development. Compounding this situation, many professionals, such as pediatricians and teachers, counsel parents who are concerned about a child’s overall development or reading development to “give it time.” This advice works against early identification and access to services.

Response

In response, we are developing a four part approach:

1. Targeted outreach and education to 1,500 low‐income, African American or Hispanic families with children below fourth grade, especially who are disabled.

2.  Educational campaign to 150 professionals in those communities‐pediatricians, child care providers, emergency room staff to promote early identification of disabilities and proper referrals for help.

3. Educational advocacy services to obtain appropriate educational and community support for 400 young children who are not meeting developmental or reading milestones.

4. Tracking and support of students through third grade through use of volunteer teams to monitor each child’s progress, reviewing grades, attendance, and discipline with parents, and teaching volunteers the red flags indicating need for additional advocacy

Anticipated Results

• 1,500 families will be better “first teachers” and advocates for their children due to better knowledge of developmental, reading milestones, educational rights and the continuum of educational services.

• Of these, at least 150 will obtain additional educational supports for their child to address developmental and/or reading problems.

• 150 early childhood professionals will have better knowledge of reading milestones, the value of early identification and how to make effective educational referrals.

• 400 disadvantaged children will read on grade level by the end of the third grade or will be receiving appropriate reading intervention.

We are forming a committee to spearhead this project. To express your interest, please contact Martha Jordan, Assistant Director at info@studentadvocacy.net.