SMART Reading – Literacy in Oregon
Leona Westdahl joined us this week to present what SmartReading.Org is and how impactful a role it plays in our literacy programs across the state.
How did Smart Reading come about?
In 1991, a group of concerned business leaders came together to address the troublesome reality that Oregon’s children were routinely reading below grade level. SMART Reading’s unique model was developed, blending early childhood reading support, adult mentorship, and community engagement to positively impact literacy outcomes.
The program launched in 1992 in eight schools in two cities, serving 585 children.
Over the years, SMART Reading has steadily grown to become the state’s largest volunteer-driven nonprofit organization devoted to children’s literacy.
Since our inception, we have served more than 373,000 children and given away over 4 million books. More than 147,000 volunteers have logged 4.5 million hours reading with children across the state.
Impact
SMART Reading is a cost-effective model, focused on kids and powered by volunteers. With one-on-one reading practice and free books to keep, we directly help each young reader and deliver long-term benefits statewide by building literacy in each community.
What are the benefits of shared reading for students?
- Individualized, one-on-one reading time that complements classroom literacy instruction
- Opportunities for positive adult attention and relationship-building, resulting in increased literary skills and confidence
- Access to books—each student chooses two books to keep each month, increasing literacy opportunities outside the classroom
- Opportunities for student choice – kids select their own books to read and whether to read aloud, listen to their volunteer read, or both
- Increased engagement—kids are more engaged in reading text and more likely to finish books that they get to pick out themselves
- Increased connection between community volunteers and schools
What are the outcomes for learners?
- Research shows that readers who participated in SMART Reading are 60% more likely to reach state reading benchmarks
- By the end of the year, 9 in 10 students grow in their enjoyment of reading
- 88% of students show increased confidence in reading
- 93% of parents say their child benefited significantly from participating in SMART, including demonstrating improved reading skills and spending more time reading
Find out how to be a Smart Reading Volunteer here: https://smartreading.org/volunteer/
Fun fact, after each weekly meeting, the Medford Rogue Rotary shares in part by providing a new book to a Smart Reader signed by the featured weekly presenter.