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Literacy Coalition using parents, schools, libraries in multiple attack
By Leah L. Culler
Reading the newspaper is not a simple task for some. Many people right here in Cache Valley are not literate. In fact, 12,000 Utah youth are not reading at grade level by the third grade, according to Dave Bennett, executive director of the Volunteer Center in Logan. The Cache Valley Literacy Coalition, a part of the Volunteer Center, is working to encourage reading and promote literacy throughout the community. The Coalition, active since January 1999, began in response to a state initiative. The initiative was part of a five-fold goal entitled Utah's Promise. The goals of the Promise include being a caring adult in the lives of Utah children, making Utah a safe place to live, giving Utah's children a healthy start, giving Utah youth more marketable skills, and giving more opportunities for service. The fourth goal -- marketable skills -- includes the goal of literacy, according to coalition chair Myrna Redd. Redd said the Literacy Coalition is working to do its part in decreasing the number of students not reading at grade level. "Our mission is to create a strong community of readers by building community awareness, facilitating partnerships and coordinating resources," Redd said. The coalition has three committees dedicated to doing just that. One committee works on compiling packets for new parents on the importance of reading to their children and teaching their children to read. Another committee works with the library. The third committee normally consists of a school committee, but has recently turned into a committee focused on increasing community awareness because the schools are doing a great job, Redd said. The Literacy Coalition works directly with the Bridgerland Literacy Center, which is a part of it. The Coalition coordinates getting volunteers for schools, facilitates everyone and gives referrals, Redd said. The Coalition's vision for Cache Valley consists of children reading at grade level, second- language learners fluent in English, parents who model and promote literacy in families and a community of recreational readers. "We are heavily involved with the literacy efforts at several schools in the valley," Bennett said. For more information about the Literacy Coalition, call the Volunteer Center at 752-3103.
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Archived Months:
September
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