Spread the Words - Read By 3rd
Spread the Words - Read by 3rd is an early reading initiative co-sponsored by MICA and the Martha Ellen Tye Foundation. The goal of the initiative is to increase the number of children in Marshalltown reading at grade-level in the third grade to 90% by 2016.
By the third grade, children need to know how to read well because they are no longer "learning to read" but "reading to learn". In Marshalltown, over 33% of children aren't able to read proficiently as they leave third grade and this percentage increases in students with low socioeconomic status.
The consequences of not being able to read at grade-level by third grade affect a child throughout their entire school career, even into high school and beyond. The plan of action for resolving the issue is three-fold: improving school readiness, providing summer learning opportunities and reducing chronic absence.
Each of these issues has a dedicated task force compromised of informed and concerned community members from across the private and public sectors. These task forces plan and implement strategies to boost grade-level reading in their specific area of concern.
Mid Iowa Community Action, Inc.
1001 S 18th Ave
Marshalltown, IA 50158
641-752-7162