research-backed

From regular student assessment to contracting for independent studies, Reading Partners systematically collects, analyzes, and uses data to generate knowledge, improve programs, and report on impacts.

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science of reading

The established and growing research we have about how students learn to read, including systemic phonics education.

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individualized

A facet of high-dosage tutoring in which a tutor offers personalized attention to their student, resulting in targeted support, and personalized literacy learning.

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high-dosage

The frequency of a learning experience. For example, Reading Partners students receive twice weekly tutoring for maximum growth.

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educational equity

Ensuring every student, no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic level, or location has access to the resources and support they need to succeed in school and in life.

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patti stephen

Patti Stephen

Patti Stephen serves as president of Buffalo Prep and CEO/co-founder of C3 Community. A tireless advocate for equity and well-being, Patti is guided by her core character strengths of kindness and love, deeply embodying the Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because you are.” Her work centers on advancing educational and racial equity, promoting individual and collective well-being, and co-creating compassionate, inclusive cultures of care.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Patti brings a heart-centered, strategic approach to community building. She currently serves on several boards and committees, including the National Partnership for Educational Access (NPEA), D’Youville University, Education Collaborative of WNY (EdCo), and the national board of Reading Partners. She is also a co-founder of the Equity Alliance of Western New York.

Patti holds a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and is a trained positive psychology coach through Positive Acorns. Her coaching and consulting firm, C3 Community, was created to help individuals, schools, and organizations foster well-being, strengthen connection, and unlock their collective potential.

Patti’s leadership and impact have earned widespread recognition. She received the Dean’s Service Award from the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education for her commitment to equity and education, and was honored with the 2021 Outstanding Executive Award for advancing equitable practices across Western New York. She was also recognized at the 2022 Business First Women of Influence Awards, and named to Business First’s “40 Under 40” list for her community leadership. In 2024, she received the Community Impact Award from the Beau Fleuve Music Culturally Activated and Community Engaged Initiative, and most recently, she was named one of Buffalo Business First’s 200 Most Powerful Women in Western New York.