Focus on Literacy

Focus on Literacy in an initiative that strives to narrow the gap of illiteracy for elementary students in Washoe County.  The After School Literacy Program had continually made strides in helping below average readers read at their grade level.

Students benefitting from the Focus on Literacy program.

Last year, nine elementary schools benefited from this program.  To date, 1,880 students have been served by this program.  In 2007-2008, 63% of the students that participated successfully raised up to their appropriate reading level.  In addition, 32% grew one to two reading grade levels and 8% grew two or more reading levels. 

The Focus on Literacy initiative provides books, after school tutoring, technology upgrades, and training for staff to provide superior literacy learning opportunities for at-risk students.  This initiative is directed to schools that fall short of qualifying for federal funding but are still in need.