By Lynn and Jean Rundle
Why Lead to Read?
We started Lead to Read because we believe the single most important issue facing Kansas City is that an alarming number of children are growing up in this city without the ability to read. The graduation rates at our local inner city high schools reflect this reality. The percentage of students who drop out of high school between the 9th and 10th grade reflect this reality. The challenges facing the neighborhoods across the city as a result of crimes committed by teenagers reflect this reality.
The reality is, if you are in the 9th grade, but can’t read at the 9th grade level, but are stuck at a 3rd or 4th grade reading level, you can’t advance to get that valuable high school degree, the ticket to meaningful employment and/or vocational training or a college degree.
What will change the game for Kansas City? Increasing the number of students who actually make it through high school and have an opportunity to become contributors. That’s a fact. With a massive engagement in Lead to Read from the community… we can change the game. Please join us in reading at a local elementary school near you.