StanReads
Why this Matters
Literacy is critical to a child’s academic success, particularly early-grade reading. Children in the early grades begin to transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Reading at grade level is one of the strongest predictors of later success in school, with data showing the link between disparities in literacy during the early grades and persistent achievement gaps.
The goal of StanREADS is to have all children in Stanislaus County reading at grade level by the end of third grade.
Priority Focus
StanREADS has analyzed third grade reading data and conducted interviews with students at elementary schools across the county to learn more about their mindsets toward reading. We have identified three factors affecting literacy: access to high-interest reading material, attendance, and parent engagement. The Action Team continues to dig deeper into these findings by forming independent work groups around each factor
Percent of Third Graders at Grade Level in Reading: School Year 2023-2024
UNIVERSE: Stanislaus County 3rd graders attending public and charter schools
SOURCE: California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
Third Graders at Grade Level in Reading
UNIVERSE: Stanislaus County 3rd graders attending public and charter schools
SOURCE: California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
Third Graders at Grade Level in Reading according to Parent Education: School Year 2023-2024
UNIVERSE: Stanislaus County 3rd graders attending public and charter schools
SOURCE: California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
Key Insights and Challenges
Data shows that economic status matters. Communities must work collaboratively to ensure that All children are reading proficiently by the time they complete third grade.
Over the past year we formed three groups focused on parent engagement, attendance and access to books. We are exploring best practices and designing strategies for our families that need the most support.
The community can be a powerful driver in early literacy efforts, yet community partners beyond educators are largely missing in this important work. We commit to bring family voice into the solution making process.
“The work we are doing with StanREADS resonate with me for several reasons. The first one being that I have always had a strong passion to support and collaborate with youth & their families. My many years with public libraries collaborating with the community, I learned the importance of reading and sharing & educating our community on that importance in order for them to achieve their greatest potential. Second, as a new parent in a new community, it is important that I can help create a foundation where not only my daughter will thrive with her reading skills but all her peers as well. Lastly, as my colleagues have shared, no one should struggle due to the lack of support, resource or simply not knowing. All children deserve to have reading skills they need to move forward with their education.”
— ANNIE SNELL