REAL literacy education gives students a reading boost

Octorara SD’s Reading Excites All Learners (REAL) literacy program is an extra effort to ensure that all students can read at or above their grade level. The program invites volunteers to meet with second-graders one-on-one for reading instruction one hour a week at Octorara Primary Learning Center and several other elementary schools in Chester County. All volunteers receive training in how to increase the will and the skill of early readers. The initiative, started by charitable organization Partners in Outreach, is based on research that shows that reading on grade level by third grade is an indicator of a child’s long-term academic and life success. According to the program’s website, teachers noticed an increase in confidence, focus and preparation in students who were in the program.