Letter to the editor: Reading Partners pays big dividends
May 31, 2017
Originally published by Tulsa World.
By Lisa K. Lawrence, Broken Arrow
What a refreshing and inspiring article by Jeff Dunn, CEO of Mill Creek Lumber, about his experiences as a volunteer for Reading Partners at Skelly Elementary (“Lessons from Curious George,” May 7). He must be an exceptional leader. To find out about schools and students, he took the time to go to the source and participate as a volunteer. I am impressed.
Here is my challenge: Surely there are many other leaders, both in business and public service, who might follow Dunn’s example and get some first-hand information about Tulsa Public Schools through working with one child as a Reading Partner. As a retired educator, I promise the time you give will be rewarded in a multitude of ways. Our legislators and school reformers could use some regular school involvement as they try to fix the problems faced by educators today.
Please, consider this proven program and get involved, just one hour per week. Commitment-phobic? Find another willing adult and work together as a reader, covering for one another during busy times or travel and sharing a student. Reading habits are essential, and the individual time in this research-based program will assist a child who is struggling with literacy.
There is no child who doesn’t want to learn to read. Be the difference.