Life-Changing Initiatives Turn 10 Years Old in Jackson County
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A child’s first eight years are the best time to foster positive development, support academic achievement and prepare for a lifetime of success.
Every Child Reads does this by taking a holistic approach to children’s well-being with a keen focus on a key predictor of school success: Reading proficiency by the end of third grade.
Why It Matters
Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a key predictor of high school graduation.
However, nearly 42%* of third-graders in Dubuque public schools do not meet this benchmark, and children from low-income families are even further behind. Furthermore, more than 27%* of Dubuque children in kindergarten through 12th grade are chronically absent, putting them at even greater risk for learning loss.
Many children who fall behind in school lack access to essential support systems that would enable them to increase their academic success, preparing them for college, careers and active citizenship.
*Iowa Department of Education
How It Works
Our work is informed by the national Campaign for Grade Level Reading and focuses on four areas that serve as the foundation of academic achievement: School attendance, school readiness, summer learning and access to books.
We also facilitate a working group of service providers, educators, parents and civic leaders to devise and implement strategies for addressing children’s social-emotional well-being — factors that impact their ability to focus and learn.
Our Accomplishments
Distributed more than 100,000 free books since 2021
Brought much-needed dyslexia resources to the Dubuque region through a partnership with Aspire Academy that has trained 24 tutors and is providing services to 44 students weekly (Learn more)
Partnered with nonprofits to support new social-emotional learning opportunities that benefitted 170 children in 2020
With St. Mark Youth Enrichment the Dream Center Dubuque Community School District and other partners, offer an annual summer program that helps more than 90% of participants maintain or improve reading proficiency
Dubuque named an All-America City based on efforts to improve reading proficiency and early school success
Created books for children about school attendance and wellness
Organized education groups to empower parents to support children’s academic success and positive development
Named a Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Pacesetter seven times since 2012
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