Facts About Kids & Reading In Our Area

• Almost 40% of the 8th grade students in Itasca County area schools were not proficient in reading on recent Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments.

• Reading skills provide a foundation for school success in general, and with it, for developing self-confidence, resourcefulness, communication and problem-solving skills, reliability and a strong work ethic.

• Children need to be reading well by 3rd grade to keep up with the demands of the classroom and develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes we want them to have.

• Today, about 1/2 of all children entering kindergarten in Minnesota are not ready, according to the state department of education.

• We can increase the number of kids reading to grade level standards - if we can influence what they experience in early childhood. Especially from birth to age 3, when children's brains go through an intense period of development that affects later reading ability.