Literacy Campaign Highlights Yuma School’s Success in Early Reading
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A new statewide campaign is putting a spotlight on early reading, and one Yuma elementary school is showing what’s possible when literacy is made a top priority.
Read On Arizona's "Literacy is the Key" campaign aims to boost reading rates in early grades by promoting evidence-based instruction, increased family involvement, and reduced absenteeism.
The campaign comes as data shows fewer than half of Arizona third-graders are reading proficiently.
Terri Clark, director of Read On Arizona, says the initiative is about more than test scores. It's about securing the state’s future.
"I think it's actually a critically important thing for Arizona's economic future," said Clark. “"o be competitive in a global economy, you need to have a very literate workforce."
To demonstrate what's working, Read On Arizona conducted a case study at O.C. Johnson Elementary School in Yuma.
The school's preschool students outperformed state averages in both language and literacy, thanks to a focus on high-quality learning materials, coaching for teachers, and a schoolwide commitment to helping students grow.
"We now know so much more about how kids learn to read," said Clark. "We know what works and that's really what this campaign is about."
Gisela Ibarra, preschool teacher, said that focus is already paying off.
"I hear a lot of compliments from kindergarten teachers saying it's wonderful the way they come ready to go to the next level," Ibarra said.
Principal Angela Logan says O.C. Johnson's approach is about helping students recognize their own potential and areas for growth.
"One thing here is we are all treasure hunters, and that means we look for the treasures that exist in all students," Logan said. "We want to have students understand their strengths and their areas of need, so that's why we shared that data with them, because we all have areas in life that we need to improve in."
As the "Literacy is the Key" campaign continues, Read On Arizona hopes the success seen in Yuma can serve as a model for schools across the state.
