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 socio-economic 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