Reading is the foundation of success, but many Arizona students are falling behind.

Here are the facts:

• Currently, 65% of 3rd-graders in Arizona are NOT proficient in reading
• Only 35% of all 3rd graders in Arizona scored proficient or higher on the 2021 AzM2 3rd grade English Language Arts (ELA) exam.
• Students who do not read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade are four times less likely than their peers to graduate high school.

So, what is our plan?

Valley of the Sun United Way has a five-year plan for creating Mighty Change in Maricopa County. We are working alongside nonprofit organizations to achieve seven bold goals. One of those goals is to close opportunity gaps to ensure children get the education they deserve.

By 2026, we plan to increase 3^rd grade reading proficiency in Maricopa County by 25%.

One organization helping us make this happen is Read Better Be Better.

“There are so many things that reading plays into in our lifetime. For our younger readers, they’re at a pivot point. So, giving them confidence and strength to be a solider with skills can completely change the trajectory of their life.” – Sarah Scott, Read Better Be Better Program Coach

What is Read Better Be Better?

Read Better Be Better is a peer-to-peer program. Young readers are paired with middle to high school leaders for one, 10-week semester. The reader improves their literacy skills while their leader improves their leadership skills.

“We empower the middle school students to implement the curriculum and allow them to be the role models. They can really make it their own. We are really interested in that two-for-one impact. While the 3^rd grader is learning and improving their literacy skills… the middle schooler is learning and developing their leadership skills.” – Alex Peck, Read Better Be Better Program Manager

Valley of the Sun United Way was one of Read Better Be Better’s first major donors. With our help, Read Better Be Better is able to help more than 7,000 children across 99 Arizona schools.

Let’s take a look at the data:

• On average, participating Read Better Be Better (RBBB) students show 20% more growth on reading comprehension tests over their non-participating classmates.
• 88% of 3rd graders self-report that they are getting better at reading than before they were in RBBB.
• 87% of the middle school students self-report they have what it takes to be a good leader after participating in RBBB.

“By the end of the 10 weeks, the students come out as a stronger, more confident person...not just a stronger, more confident reader.” – Sarah Scott, Read Better Be Better Program Coach

Valley of the Sun United Way is proud to partner with Read Better Be Better to create Mighty Change in the lives of youth across our community. Together, with our generous donors by our side, we’re confident we’ll increase reading proficiency in Maricopa County.

Donate today: https://vsuw.org/donate