“Our school library had been a tired, small worn-down room.
It is now a two-room brand new, colorful, vibrant focal point
for our school.  It symbolizes the advances in literacy
our students are making.”
—Ira Berman, former principal of 153rd Street Elementary School

OUR IMPACT
By the end of 2007, we implemented the 3R Program (Renovate, Restock, and Read) at 187 public elementary schools.  As a result of our partnership with each of these schools, we renovated 187 libraries, oversaw the purchase of more than $2,000,000 worth of new books, and trained nearly 5,000 volunteers.  Approximately 300,000 children throughout Greater Los Angeles were reached by the program, with an additional positive impact on teachers, parents, and future generations.

We maintain the quality of the 3R Program in part through an extensive annual evaluation process that inlcudes surveys of principals, teachers, volunteer reading partners, and students.  Survey participants confirm that the consistent hour of one-on-one adult attention and the focus on discovering the joys of reading have resulted in students exhibiting increased self-esteem and improvements in reading skills, comprehension, and attitude toward reading.   

Our other literacy support services are also evaluated.  Library Skills Workshop participants currently complete an evaluation following the training, and from their comments we have learned that attendees leave the session feeling more comfortable with navigating the library’s filing system and accessing a broad range of information.  Participants of the Family Reading Program are also asked to complete an evaluation, in addition to providing feedback six months later to assess the progress of their child.  Returned surveys confirm that the children are showing increased confidence both in pleasure reading and school work.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

TEACHERS
"Not only have students' overall scores improved, but more importantly for them, their self-esteem is much higher.  When called upon in class to read, they speak clearly and are confident."  —Pinewood Avenue Elementary, North San Fernando Valley

"[My] student has shown improvement in fluency and comprehension skills, as well as improved effort in other academic areas."  —Robert Hill Lane Elementary, East Los Angeles 

PRINCIPALS
"The children are much more excited about reading and going into the library during their free time and after school.  It is often difficult to close the library because it is so full of children."  —Clover Avenue Elementary, West Los Angeles 

"Children are reading with understanding and are motivated to move on to higher levels of literature." 
—Mar Vista Elementary, West Los Angeles

"The [Library Skills] Workshop gave our parents a very good overview of the different literacy genres that exist in the library and the opportunity to look for and share books.  By empowering the Phelan community to enhance their literacy tools, now they can better help their children in choosing books."  —Daniel Phelan Elementary, Greater San Gabriel Valley

VOLUNTEER READING PARTNERS
"The best thing is forming a bond with my student, seeing her grow more comfortable and watching her reading improve."  —Dixie Canyon Avenue Elementary, Mid-San Fernando Valley

"Most students want to feel special in their own unique way, and The Wonder of Reading one-on-one program provides them with that opportunity."  —Cabrillo Avenue Elementary, South Bay

PARENTS
"The most valuable part of the [Family Reading Workshop] was the partner reading and suggestions for making reading more fun."  —Lomita Magnet Elementary, South Bay

"[It was helpful] learning my kids' school library so I can look at the books beforehand and help them find books when we visit."  —Daniel Phelan Elementary, Greater San Gabriel Valley

STUDENTS
"Reading is more interesting when you have a partner... It's a special time."  —Justice Street Elementary, Mid-San Fernando Valley