Reading Success is Critical by the End of Third Grade

The Annie E. Casey Foundation is focusing attention on the critical importance of achieving grade-level reading proficiency for all children by the end of third grade, and its special KIDS COUNT report, Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters, introduces the Casey Foundation’s call for a renewed emphasis on reading success.

“Until third grade, children are learning to read. After third grade, they also are reading to learn. When kids are not reading by fourth grade, they almost certainly get on a glide path to poverty,” said Ralph Smith, executive vice president of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “Poor reading test scores are profoundly disappointing to all of us who see school success and high school graduation as beacons in the battle against intergenerational poverty.”


According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT report, Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters, there is a strong correlation between poor reading scores and poverty. Parents and communities must continue to foster literacy in children. A child's success in school, his financial potential, and ability to become a productive member of our nation rests heavily on his or her ability to read.

http://www.funofreading.com

Please visit my booksite listed above to preview over 1400 titles of quality children's literature designed to foster a love of reading for all children.