150 Communities Pledge to Increase Grade-Level Reading Proficiency

The National Civic League and the Campaign for Grade Level Reading have partnered to support 150 communities throughout the nation that are participating in the 2012 All-America City Grade Level competition. Each of the participating communities has pledged their commitment to developing a comprehensive and sustainable plan that will increase reading proficiency for all students by the end of 3^rd grade. Communities will tackle reading proficiency by addressing the following:

• School Readiness: Ensuring that children enter school ready to learn
• School Attendance: Increasing student attendance rates
• Summer Learning: Helping students to retain information over the summer and enter the school year on grade-level

As participants in the 2012 All-America City Grade Level competition, each community will be part of the Grade-Level Reading Network, which will provide access to technical assistance opportunities, experts, funders, policymakers and evidence-based models that have demonstrated success in increasing reading proficiency. Recognizing that improving academic outcomes require support from the entire community, final awards will be based on the community’s efforts to engage parents, acquire cross-sector support from private, public and civic groups throughout the community, and address the specific issues that local children and families face.

A select number of finalists will be chosen to participate in a final round of competition in June. For more information about the All-America City Grade-Level Competition, please click here.

Additional Resources:

Report Highlights the Importance of Expanded Learning Time, CSSP

White House Releases Guidance for No Child Left Behind Waivers, CSSP

A Handbook for Engaging Families and Communities in Education Reform, CSSP

Report Highlights the Integration of Sustainable Communities in Education, CSSP

Race to the Top, Early Learning Challenge, CSSP

Take Your Time: Why States Should Use Education Waivers to Increase Learning Time, Center for American Progress