In Dallas, 9 out of 10 fourth grade students from low-income families are not reading at grade level. But what can be done? What if you were told that you could make a difference in our education system - and in the life of a child - by committing just as little as one hour a week for one semester or an entire school year?  Would you believe it could really work?

The exciting answer is yes!  In 1999, experienced educators in California saw that there was a literacy crisis happening before their eyes, so they decided to do something about it. They founded a nonprofit that provided individualized reading support for struggling elementary school students. Since that time, Reading Partners has transformed into what is now a national education nonprofit based in 12 metro areas across the United States.  Reading Partners works with students in grades K-5 who are reading between 6 months - 2.5 years below grade level. Each student is referred by his or her teacher and enrolled into the Reading Partners program.  Students are pulled out of class twice a week for 45 minute sessions, during which time they work one-on-one with a tutor using structured, easy-to-follow curriculum to help them gain the necessary skills that will help them read at grade level with their peers. This year, Reading Partners Dallas is working in 18 elementary schools across Dallas ISD, probably at a school near you.  

So how can you make a change?  As it happens, Reading Partners tutors are volunteers from the community - your community - many with no prior teaching experience. The structured curriculum was designed specifically for volunteers to use; not only that, but Reading Partners provides initial and ongoing training, as well as on-site staff support and coaching. Students in the Reading Partners program, on average, more than double their rate of learning over the course of the school year. This is a proven and effective program that empowers individuals to create change in their local communities. Right now, there are over 800 students enrolled in the Reading Partners program in Dallas.  If you join the movement now, there could be more.  Will you join us?

Sign up today at www.readingpartners.org.  For more information, email volunteerDAL@readingpartners.org or call (214) 821-4500.