Literacy proficiency scores are decreasing tremendously since the pandemic. Young children in Massachusetts are falling behind on their education by not getting the support and tools they need to succeed. According to the CommonWealth Beacon, "In our largest cities, students are below even the dismal statewide averages. In Boston, just 29 percent of 3rd graders read on grade level". This is affecting Massachusetts because our rising generation is failing to meet crucial benchmarks because of our inadequate teacher training, unaligned curriculum, and not starting at a young enough age. Third grade is a crucial point of learning because you go from learning to read, to learning by reading. While the youngest generation may not be your primary focus, their falling scores will lead them to be unable to catch up with their peers which will cause mental stress, decrease their confidence, and hinder economic growth.

Our goal for Literacy Leaders is to have older students in the 7th and 8th grade mentoring their younger counterparts on literacy components. Once a week, they will come down to the students to teach them how to read, write, and work on phonics. A second day will be held for only the 7th and 8th graders so they can be properly trained by education professionals. This is an idea that is going to pilot in Cambridge, and hopefully take off around Massachusetts with your help. 

The youngest generation will be the generation making all the decisions in only two decades. We want them to be ready, and it is our job to prepare them. Please consider signing this petition to support Literacy Leaders mission and change our literacy system for the better. Thank you!