Up until third grade, children are learning to read. After that, they read to learn. This is why reading proficiently by the end of third grade is recognized as one of the best predictors of future success.
The importance of reading proficiency cannot be overstated. Did you know:
Earlier this year we partnered with Sylvan Learning Center of Raleigh to provide academic assessments and individualized tutoring for the school-age children living at the Mission. The results are very inspiring. Progress testing done after the first 11 weeks of tutoring showed that EVERY child had progressed. Most of the students had gained several months worth of grade level performance and several students had advanced a year or more in grade level.
It’s encouraging. But there is a cost.
We need your gift to keep our Tutoring program operating throughout the school year. You are helping a child keep up in school, and we know keeping up avoids dropping out. The benefits of tutoring go beyond just academic performance. If a child is able to read well, and successfully complete their schoolwork, they develop self-confidence and they learn to believe in themselves.
Data shows that investing in high-quality early childhood education programs for children from low-income families shows a benefit-cost ratio of 7:1 – meaning for every $1 we invest, society saves roughly $7 in social service costs.
