A Note from Shari: Changing the Reading Proficiency Narrative Together

As you may have seen in recent headlines, the results of the 2024 Nation's Report Card are deeply concerning. 

The data paints a sobering picture of the state of education in our country, with reading proficiency scores plummeting to levels not seen in decades. It also reveals a stark disparity based on socioeconomic status: just 34% of fourth-graders from the lowest income group are reading above the national average, compared to 77% of their wealthier peers.

These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of the work we are doing together. We know that early childhood literacy programs are an efficient and effective way to interrupt inequality in educational outcomes.  

LINC’s workshops and literacy programs empower parents as their children’s first teachers by giving them the tools and resources to build strong foundational literacy routines at home. What’s more, by working in the community, we are able to build this foundation from a child’s first days. The plain fact is that literacy starts at birth, not at the schoolhouse door. 

The work we are doing together is making a difference - one child, one family, one community at a time. Our analysis shows that parents coming to LINC programs increase their knowledge of how children learn to read, increase the frequency of reading with their child at home, use new skills to make reading meaningful, and have more books at home (thanks in part to our book giveaway program). With your help, we can change the reading proficiency narrative. 

I am deeply grateful for your support as we work in communities with the greatest need across New York City to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for standing with us and making a difference in the lives of children and families! 

In community, 

Shari