Why Our Kids Can’t Read: The Childhood Literacy Crisis We Can’t Ignore

I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Please send me a text...In this episode I sit down with April Javist, Executive Director of the Sacramento Literacy Foundation, for one of the most important conversations we’ve had about the future of our communities. What begins as a discussion about reading quickly becomes a much deeper exploration into education, poverty, mental health, workforce readiness, civic participation, and the long-term impact literacy has on every aspect of society.April shares the startling reality that more children today are NOT reading at grade level than are — and why third-grade reading proficiency is one of the strongest indicators of future success. We discuss the growing Science of Reading movement, why culturally relevant books matter for children, and how Sacramento Literacy Foundation is working directly with schools, families, and community partners to improve literacy outcomes across the region.The conversation also explores accountability in education, the success Mississippi has seen through literacy reform, and why literacy may truly be the foundation for solving many of society’s biggest challenges. Along the way, April shares powerful stories from the field that highlight how something as simple as putting the right book into a child’s hands can change confidence, connection, and even the trajectory of a life.This is a passionate, emotional, and hopeful conversation about what becomes possible when communities decide every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and fully participate in society.Learn more about Sacramento Literacy Foundation:Sacramento Literacy FoundationCall: 916-836-3540Email April: [email protected]:@sacliteracyfoundationLinkedIn:Sacramento Literacy Foundation LinkedInChapters00:00 – Why Literacy Matters More Than Ever03:08 – How Sacramento Literacy Foundation Began05:02 – The Importance of Culturally Relevant Books06:18 – Why Third Grade Reading Levels Matter09:10 – The Science of Reading Explained15:02 – The Literacy Data Behind Sacramento Schools18:05 – How Communities Can Improve Reading Outcomes20:05 – Partnerships, Advocacy & School Collaboration27:58 – April’s Big Vision for Literacy Reform33:10 – Why Reading Is a Revolution39:05 – The Story That Changed EverythingThank you so much for listening to this nonprofit story!  We appreciate you. Please visit the website to sign up for our email updates and newsletter. https://www.nonprofpod.com/  And if you like, leave me a voicemail to comment on the program, leave a question for us to ask in the future or a message for me, Jeff Holden. I may even use your voice mail message in a future episode of one of our incredible local nonprofit organizations. https://www.nonprofpod.com/voicemail. Thanks again for your support in listening, commenting and sharing the great work our local nonprofits are accomplishing.