To help combat learning loss and strengthen early literacy in Tennessee, the Gov.’s Early Literacy Foundation is spearheading efforts to promote literacy among children to ensure they develop strong reading skills throughout the summer.
In May, 60% of Tennessee third graders fail short of proficiency on the TCAP reading test, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.
James Pond, president of the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, said it recognizes the critical role early literacy plays in a child’s overall academic success, and it is committed to ensuring all children in Tennessee have access to the resources they need to become lifelong learners.
“Our organization provides a K-3 home library program and which every rising first, second, and third grader and soon-to-be kindergartner receive a summer book packet of three fiction, three nonfiction books, along with great resources for that child and their caregivers to engage with those books and create comprehension and learning,” Pond outlined.
Pond added the books included in packets are selected by their Educator Advisory Council, made up of 28 educators from across the state. The Educator Advisory Council also creates the resources and activity sheets provided along with the books. He noted throughout the summer; it will deliver 1.2 million books to more than 200,000 students, teachers, and librarians statewide.
