January 18, 2016
Early Childhood & Elementary 
Students who aren't reading proficiently by third grade will face ongoing academic difficulties.
Reading Proficiency by Third Grade
A 2010 report issued by the Annie E. Casey Foundation determined that children who aren't reading at grade level by the third grade face ongoing academic difficulties in school. A recent update to the report,  Early Warning Confirmed: A Research Update on Third-Grade Reading, reiterated the message: it's critical for children to be proficient readers by third grade. The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a national collaborative effort which focuses on grade-level reading by the end of third grade says, "Reading proficiency by third grade is the most important predictor of high school graduation and career success. Yet every year, more than 80 percent of low-income children miss this crucial milestone."

So, how do Iowa students fare? According to the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress test only 23 percent of Iowa's low-income fourth-grade children (eligible for the national school lunch program) scored proficient or advanced in reading. "This means more than 75 percent of Iowa's low-income children need help to master reading skills essential for a successful future," said Terry Rinehart, director of Iowa Public Television's Educational Services.

And how is Iowa responding to the need? New America, a non-profit, public policy institute, recently released a policy paper, From Crawling to Walking: Ranking States on Birth-3rd Grade Policies that Support Strong Readers. The report ranked states on 65 indicators in seven policy areas and found Iowa to be in the "toddling" stage -- just taking its first steps. ( Click here for the atlas. This link explains how to use the atlas.) Here are some of the steps already taken:

The Iowa Reading Research Center commissioned A Look at Summer Reading Programs and "is currently developing program criteria and guidelines for the implementation of intensive summer reading programs in school districts across Iowa." The Iowa Campaign for Grade-Level Reading recently convened a statewide meeting to update the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading national initiative and statewide efforts, learn about key policy issues for the upcoming Iowa legislative session, and network with peers and national consultants. Statewide priorities were set as participants determined what they'd like to accomplish in the future.

And local United Ways and school districts have partnered to launch the Iowa Reading Corps AmeriCorps program to make sure all Iowa children are reading at grade level by the third grade.
Ready For School Community Spotlight
Iowa Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

When it comes to helping low-income third-graders reading proficiently by third grade, schools can't do it alone, says Becky Miles-Polka, the Iowa lead and senior consultant for the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Miles-Polka serves as the point of contact for the campaign and coordinates Iowa's statewide campaign as well. "Schools need to come together with community partners to address the issue of reading proficiency," said Miles-Polka.

The campaign is a national collaborative effort which focuses on grade-level reading by the end of third grade. In 2012, six Iowa communities became involved with the campaign; now 11 communities, including 30 school districts, participate. Nearly 50 percent of Iowa's low-income children are reached through these communities.  

Each community focuses on three areas: school readiness, chronic absenteeism, and summer learning loss. Efforts are locally driven and community partners include school districts, funders, community leaders, and volunteers. And these efforts are paying off. According to National Assessment of Educational Progress, 17 percent of Iowa's low-income children were at or above reading proficiency in 2011; this increased to 23 percent in 2015. One community, Marshalltown,* reported some significant gains: the first cohort group (2014-2015) increased its reading proficiency by 24 percent. Marshalltown provided a quality summer program and promoted good attendance among other initiatives, said Miles-Polka.
She said the Iowa Campaign has a strong partnership with the Iowa Council of Foundations (which is helping to communicate the need for reading proficiency in the philanthropy community) and support from other agencies and organizations. Supporters include the Governor's office, Department of Education, Early Childhood Iowa, and Iowa Public Television's Ready for School initiative.

"The important thing is we all need to have our boats rowing in the same direction," said Miles-Polka.  

*Marshalltown is a 2014-2015 IPTV Ready for School partner.

Want your organization in our Spotlight? Email mary.czech@iptv.org.
Featured Resources
Reading Rockets: Launching Young Readers provides resources to teachers, parents, and care providers to turn young children into readers.
Ready to Learn promotes early learning through age-appropriate, educational and engaging content for children ages 2-8.
Questions & Answers
Q: How is Iowa Public Television responding to the need for children to become proficient readers by the third grade?

A: IPTV's Educational Services provides early childhood and elementary literacy resources -- like Martha Speaks Reading Buddies  -- and   professional staff development to Ready for School (RFS) community partners throughout the state. The RFS initiative also allows up to 300 childcare providers to take the online PBS TeacherLine course,   Raising Readers: Preparing Preschoolers for Success, for free during each school year. The course gives providers the tools to build reading skills in the children in their care.

Questions about Ready for School? Email them to mary.czech@iptv.org.
Out 'n' About with IPTV Education Specialists
1/19/2016  Abby -- Elementary/Secondary resources -- Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Middle School, Waterloo
1/20/2016  Stacie & Mary -- Library Corner launch -- Atlantic Public Library , Atlantic
1/25/2016  Shane -- Library Corner launch -- Cresco Public Library , Cresco
1/27/2016  Stacie -- Library Corner launch -- Merchant Memorial Library, Scranton
2/2/2016  Trista -- PreK Resources & Peg + Cat characters -- Mormon Trail PK Family Night -- Humeston Public Library , Humeston
2/2/2016  Shane -- Library Corner launch -- Waukon Library, Waukon
2/2/2016  Abby -- PBS LearningMedia -- Family Literacy Night , Bondurant
2/3/2016  Shane -- Library Corner launch -- Anamosa Public Library, Anamosa
2/3/2016  Shane -- Odd Squad -- Toledo Public Library event , Toledo
2/8/2016  Trista -- Library Corner launch & Peg + Cat characters -- Moravia Elementary , Moravia
2/8/2016  Trista -- Library Corner launch & Peg + Cat characters; PreK Resources (Parents as Teachers presentation) -- Drake Public Library, Centerville
How are you using Ready for School ( RFS) resources in your organization? Email mary.czech@iptv.org with any stories of how you have used RFS resources or how the resources have benefited your community. We may feature your story in a future Early Childhood & Elementary newsletter!
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