JEWISH COALITION FOR LITERACY
Opening Books, Opening Minds, Opening Doors.
We approach our work with
- Respect
- Kindness
- Compassion
- Openness
- Patience
- Curiosity
- Resilience
- Dedication
- Humility
We envision a society where all children can read & have the tools they need to reach their full potential.
We work to build bridges across communities to foster learning through nurturing relationships.
Inspired by Jewish values of social justice and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), JCL mobilizes volunteer tutors of all backgrounds and supports parents and organizations to help struggling readers in grades K-5 throughout the Bay Area.
The Challenge
Proficiency in reading by the end of third grade is a crucial marker in a child's educational development. It's when children shift from 'learning to read,' to 'reading to learn.'
Yet, only 32% of children who completed 3rd grade in California public schools achieved reading proficiency on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAP) test in 2019.
If kids can't read by the end of third grade, they are much more likely to drop out of school in later years, limiting their options for the rest of their lives.
To learn more, read this study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Our response
JCL volunteer tutors provide one-on-one reading support for emerging and struggling readers in under-resourced schools. We believe that all children deserve to have the tools for lifelong learning.
For the children we serve, a consistent, caring relationship with a reading tutor is essential. JCL assists children in grades K-5 by training and supporting tutors of all backgrounds.
Tutors work with teachers and partner organizations to create a safe learning space, structuring their sessions to align with students' interests and pique their curiosity. Kids' self-confidence blossoms, and they grow as readers and learners.
JCL also provides workshops to help parents support their children's reading and school success and build home libraries.