For years, the work of our local collaboration has been recognized by the national Campaign for Grade Level Reading. This work doesn’t start and end in third grade. We need to give kids a great start by helping support parents, delivering engaging out of school experiences, utilizing proven intervention strategies, and equipping community members with tools to address issues of impact. We also recognize the vital nature of community support in volunteering for mentoring programs and summer learning.

COMPELLING CONCERNS:

• 27.2% of Story County kindergarten students were not proficient in reading in SY18-19 (Iowa Department of Education)

• 26.2% of Story County 3rd graders were not reading proficiently in SY18-19 (Iowa Department of Education, ISASP)

*Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess education in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.

UNITED WAY’S RESPONSE:

High quality early childhood education: We will increase access to underserved children by providing sliding fee scales and encouraging a focus on equity.

Parenting knowledge and skills: We will support parents in their role of being their kids’ first teachers.

Grade level reading supports: We will increase access for out-of-school learning and proven intervention strategies.

Community-based education and awareness: We will educate community members on issues of impact and empower them with tools to take action.