Our Literacy Tutoring and Workforce Development model is reaching a new audience!
READ USA is proud to be featured in Transcend’s Innovative Models Exchange, a global resource highlighting innovative learning models and helping educators and communities learn from approaches making a difference for young people.
The new feature takes an in-depth look at READ USA’s unique approach to addressing two critical needs at once: helping elementary students accelerate their reading growth while providing teens with meaningful paid employment, training, coaching and opportunities to develop skills for the workforce and beyond.
At the heart of our model are trained, paid Teen Tutors who work one-to-one with elementary students reading below grade level. Certified reading teachers provide real-time coaching and support as tutors deliver personalized instruction based on each student’s assessed reading needs. Along the way, Teen Tutors strengthen employer-valued skills including communication, problem-solving, leadership and adaptability.
The Exchange highlights high expectations with rigorous learning and customization as two features that make READ USA’s model innovative, recognizing the combination of evidence-based literacy instruction, individualized support and ongoing coaching that drives growth for both students and tutors.
And the impact continues to grow. The feature highlights our reach of more than 5,700 students, 2,100 Teen Tutors and 500 teachers, along with more than one million books distributed.
Being featured in the Innovative Models Exchange provides an opportunity for educators and communities beyond Jacksonville to learn more about how READ USA brings together literacy, youth employment and workforce development in one model.
We are grateful to the team at Transcend for taking the time to learn about READ USA, capture the model in such depth and help share this work with a broader community.
Ready to explore the model? Visit READ USA’s feature in the Innovative Models Exchange and request access to take a closer look.
To request access, please email exchange@transcendeducation.org
A Locker Room Full of Young Readers!
The Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation scored another big win for young readers yesterday!
In partnership with Whataburger, the Jaguars hosted a Literacy Locker Room at Global Leadership Academy, bringing approximately 360 kindergarten through second-grade students together for an afternoon filled with books, reading and Jaguars fun.
Students gathered in the gymnasium at Global Leadership Academy’s Discovery Campus for a special read-aloud with Jacksonville Jaguars #17 Joey Aguilar followed by plenty of excitement with Jaxson De Ville and members of the roar.
And, of course, the books took center stage! Each participating student had the opportunity to choose a free, brand-new book to take home and keep, helping hundreds of young readers add new stories to their home libraries.
Literacy Locker Rooms bring together the excitement of the Jaguars and the joy of reading, creating memorable experiences that encourage children to get excited about books and see reading as something worth celebrating.
We are incredibly grateful to the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation for its continued commitment to childhood literacy and for creating these special experiences for young readers across our community.
Many thanks also to Whataburger for partnering with the Jaguars to support this Literacy Locker Room and help make the day possible for hundreds of students at Global Leadership Academy.
Another Literacy Locker Room, another big win for young readers!
Children’s Book: The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed
The Together Tree is a beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the story of a young boy named
The Together Tree is an important story about standing up for others in the face of intolerance. The issues of bullying in schools are prevalent and ever-present. This story equips students with tools to overcome bullying and build friendships.
The Together Tree captures the message of forgiveness when one has been mistreated. There are several lessons that resonate throughout this story: kindness, acceptance, and diversity. All of Rumi’s classmates soon learned that when sitting under the willow tree differences are embraced and all are welcome.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist
Parent Education Corner: Helping Your Child with Homework
Homework is an opportunity for children to learn and for families to be involved in their children's education. However, helping children with homework isn't always easy.
Children need to know that their family members think homework is important. If they know their families care, children have a good reason to complete assignments and to turn them in on time. You can do many things to show your child that you value education and homework.
Here are some tips to guide the way:
Following these simple tips can make a big difference in your child’s success in school and demonstrate to them that their education is a priority.
“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.” Jane D. Hull
From Nemours KidsHealth
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist