The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the “The Nation’s Report Card,” showed in 2011 that only 34 percent of fourth graders read at a “proficient” level. Thus, two-thirds of students did not finish third grade with these essential reading skills. Research shows that students not reading proficiently by grade 3 are four times more likely than proficient readers to drop out of high school (Hernandez, 2011).

Here in Minnesota, we know Reading Corps has the power to change the academic trajectory of struggling readers. It blends the power of AmeriCorps with the science of how children learn to read. In 2011, 80% of 3^rd grade Reading Corps participants passed the statewide reading assessment, compared to 78% for all Minnesota students.  In fact, the program was featured as a Bright Spot by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. 

It has a nine-year proven track record in Minnesota and we are eager to translate that success to states throughout the country. To ensure that the model is replicated with fidelity and will ultimately produce the same strong results seen in Minnesota, ServeMinnesota is providing training and technical assistance related to program implementation and evaluation.

In 2012, ServeMinnesota received funding from Target to replicate Reading Corps in Colorado and Washington, D.C. In addition, the following states are on a pathway to replication: Massachusetts, Texas, North Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, and Rhode Island.

Interested in replicating the Reading Corps in your state for the 2013-14 school year? Contact Sadie O' Connor - 612.746.1393 or sadie@serveminnesota.org.