Students may be off for the winter recess but the School District of Philadelphia is asking parents to engage their children in reading for 30 minutes each day.

The school district posted a link on its website directing parents to the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Tumblebooks program that offers hundreds of books to early readers at www.freelibrary.org. Parents can also access more than 50 English and six Spanish book titles online by creating an account, at no charge, with American Reading at Home, also accessed through the “Winter Break” icon promoting free electronic books.

Educators consider reading proficiency a predictor of a student’s success in school and throughout their career.

In October, Brandon Boykin took on the role of high-profile ambassador for the READ! By 4th initiative. The Philadelphia Eagles corner back agreed to return to the school in the city’s Olney section for a visit, but only if students made a commitment to “do the twenty-two,” tying his jersey number to the minimum number of minutes students were asked to spend reading each day.

The Eagles corner back, who told students strong reading skills would serve them well in school and other areas of life, became the face of the reading campaign after the school district announced it would participate in the national READ! By 4th campaign spearheaded by The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

About one of two incoming fourth graders enrolled in Philadelphia district-run and privately managed charter schools are considered proficient in reading. According to the Public Citizens for Children and Youth, an organization that advocates for quality education, statistics show students who aren’t proficient in reading by fourth grade are likely to struggle academically and more likely to drop out of school.

The effort is supported by government offices, agencies, nonprofits from across the city, including the Eagles Youth Partnership, AARP, Clear Channel Media, Wells Fargo Bank, the American Reading Company, Drexel University, Philadelphia School Partnership, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers union, and the Mayor’s Office of Education.

Superintendent William Hite identified reading literacy as a priority in an updated action plan.

National research pinpoints improving quality of early learning and child care programs, providing parents with training and tools to help children develop strong reading skills and engaging students in year-round reading as top challenges facing educators.

In August, Debra Kahn, executive director of Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia, said, “We look forward to helping this campaign succeed.”

She also pointed out there was strong support for reading proficiency among the campaign’s financial backers.

The Philadelphia Tribune – December 30, 2014 – Read article online