Reading is one of the most powerful tools someone can have at their disposal; it creates opportunities for life long learning. There are six million students in the California school system and 25% of those students are unable to perform basic reading skills. For young students the most critical stages for reading skills is kindergarten through third grade. Students transition from learning to read to reading to learn in fourth grade. In Santa Clara and San Mateo counties programs were created to help battle against illiteracy and give students and adults extra help. Many of our partnering agencies programs are in Title 1 schools which the definition for a Title I school may operate as a school wide program only if a minimum of 40 percent of the students in the school, or residing in the attendance area …show more content…
Inspired by Jewish values of social justice, the Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) is dedicated to eliminating childhood illiteracy by mobilizing tutors, engaging parents and expanding home libraries to help under-served public school children (grades K-3) throughout the Bay Area. Our volunteer tutors provide one-on-one or small group reading support to struggling students (K-3) in high poverty public elementary schools in the Peninsula, East Bay and San Francisco. It interested me that I could make a large impact on a child’s life for only a 45 minute a week commitment. I can also relate to needing a reading tutor because I worked with one during second and third grade. She made such an impact on me and was able to teach me techniques that my parents were not aware of. With the support of the reading tutor and my parents I was able to form lifelong reading skills which have helped me in everyday life. After completing the training now I’m in the process of completing the volunteer requirements for the Millbrae school