Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Beam Furr
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO DISCUSS Read for the Record 2021 and Broward Reads. (Commissioner Furr)
body
Why Action is Necessary
Item permits a public discussion of Read for the Record and other issues surrounding early learning.
What Action Accomplishes
Item permits a public discussion of the matter.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Research suggests that 3rd grade reading scores are one of the primary indicators of future positive outcomes. In empirical research, children reading at grade-level by the end of third grade, have been linked to higher future graduation rates, college acceptance, and more. Childhood literacy is one of the most crucial investments we can make.
With this knowledge, Broward County has been committed to improving childhood literacy through our collaboration with Broward Reads. Broward Reads is part of the National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, which aims to increase the number of students reading at grade-level by the time they finish third grade. Broward Reads was formed by the Children’s Services Council to tackle this important issue and brings together a coalition of community partners. From 2014 to 2019, the third grade reading score in Broward County improved by ten points. However, much of this progress has been reversed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A major part of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is the annual Read for the Record. Read for the Record is a national event that brings together over two million students and adults to read the same book at the same time. This event is designed to encourage adults to read to children and increase awareness for the importance of childhood literacy.
For the third consecutive year, Broward County Library’s Conference on Children’s Literature has featured the author of the national book selection for Read for the Record. This year’s book is the acclaimed “Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon” by Kat Zhang. We celebrate the success of the 34th Annual Conference on Children’s Literature and encourage all in the Broward County community to participate in this year’s Read for the Record on October 28, 2021.
This item will be accompanied by a brief presentation that will be distributed as additional material.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
N/A