Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
Students were assessed in the fall, winter, and spring using progress in the McGraw Hill early reading program, the Diagnostic Reading Assessment (DRA), and FASTBridge, a standardized assessment tool used in public schools nationwide. Of those assessed in both the fall and spring and who participated in 30 or more hours of tutoring, 81% of students met reading growth goals in 2017-18: - 96% (123/128) of Kindergarteners were first-grade ready as demonstrated by achieving level 2 in the DRA and mastery of these foundational skills: recognition of letter names and sounds, ability to read 30 sight words, syllable/sound awareness, print name, and use of oral language. The average DRA Growth was 3.4 levels. - 56% (34/60) of 1st grade students met ESLC reading growth goals, exceeding 16-17 outcomes. - 72% (28/39) of 2nd grade students met ESLC reading growth goals of 8 or more DRA levels. - 89% (8/9) of 3rd grade students met ESLC reading growth goals, exceeding benchmark growth rates! 72% of reading logs were returned weekly, and 49% were signed by a parent or caretaker, an indicator of parent involvement in reading. 2017-18 was a benchmark year to better understand and track exactly how many times parents signed reading logs.
Current Goals
ESLC envisions a community in which all children read with pride and joy to become life-long learners. The mission of “Unlocking each child’s potential through the foundation of reading,” is aimed at closing the achievement gap so all children have the opportunity succeed in school, graduate from high school, and choose their own futures. To accomplish this, ESLC sets the following goals: (1) Each child reads confidently at grade level by 3rd grade. (2) Each child has the opportunity to develop a positive relationship with a caring tutor who models and teaches select skills for success in school and life. (3) Families encourage their child to consistently read at home.
Community or Constituency Served
ESLC partners with parents, schools, and the community to support children who are not reading at grade level and don't have resources to get help. More than 90% are receiving free or reduced meal plans, an indicator of living with poverty. 60% of our students do not speak English at home. Children in the program are in Pre-Kindergarten through third grade. ESLC works with younger children to prevent them from starting school or the next grade below reading level. Race - Ethnicity: - African American / Black (23.7%) American Indian (0.8%) Asian / SE Asian / Pacific Islander (51.7%) Hispanic / Chicano / Latino (9.2%) Multiracial (6.3%) Other (1.1%) White / Caucasian (2.4%) Unknown (4.7%)
Geographic Area Served
ESLC partners with schools In the East Metro Twin Cities area with a focus in Saint Paul, MN, an area with higher than average poverty rates, crime rates, and increasing populations of immigrant families.
