Literacy Challenges in Marion County
MARION COUNTY — Only 26% of students from grades three to eight successfully passed the English Language Arts section of the ILEARN assessment this year, according to RISE Indy. This alarming figure has sparked concerns regarding literacy levels within the community.
Supporting Educators and Community Members
At Liberty Park Elementary School, students are attentively engaged in lessons led by dedicated educators. Among them is Troy Tate, a community member who has become a teacher assistant, focusing on supporting youth on Indianapolis's far east side.
"I'm in an environment where professionals guide me, helping me learn how to support our youth's growth," Tate explained.
He is participating in a 16-week program in collaboration with RISE Indy and Marion University, which trains community members in the Science of Reading to prepare them for roles in local schools.
Previously, a workshop on the Science of Reading trained parents in literacy strategies.
Community Involvement in Literacy Improvement
The initiative aims to involve parents and caregivers in school settings, assisting with rea...