San Mateo County launches website that provides age-specific reading strategies and support for struggling readers
San Mateo County, California – San Mateo County has launched a groundbreaking online resource targeted at improving literacy among young learners in a major advance for early education. Called the “Let’s Read San Mateo County“, the website is meant to assist families from many backgrounds foster a strong basis for reading from infancy through elementary school.
Designed in response to a partnership with the Oakland Literacy Coalition, the new tool is part of The Big Lift project, a thorough effort aiming at making sure children reach reading competency by the end of third grade. When discussing the relevance of the tool, The Big Lift’s leadership team member County Supervisor Noelia Corzo emphasized the need of the project.
“A child’s ability to read has a direct impact on their life outcomes,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who serves on The Big Lift’s leadership team. “Let’s Read San Mateo County is about giving every child the opportunity to have the best possible future.”
The website is accessible in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog. It provides a multitude of research-based recommendations including developmental stages, confidence-building techniques, and a variety of instructional tools. Drop-down menus linking families to books, movies, and interesting reading games and activities let them navigate easily across the website.
The website’s key elements are age-specific reading strategies, comprehensive explanations of how reading development occurs, and support tools for kids having difficulties in reading.
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“Let’s Read San Mateo County complements early education by reinforcing literacy skills beyond the classroom, fostering a love for reading, and creating a supportive community that values and promotes educational success,” said Katharine Sullivan, The Big Lift’s executive director.
Given the literacy problems in the county, the tool is very considered to be more than relevant. Despite its affluence, San Mateo reports that 42% of its third graders do not read at a proficient level. Dealing with this, The Big Lift has launched various more projects including high-quality preschool programs, summer learning plans to stop educational backsliding, and regular campaigns against chronic absenteeism.
“Literacy and success in school begin in the early years, and as The Big Lift has shown repeatedly, the right intervention and supports can make all the difference,” said San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Nancy Magee. “Let’s Read San Mateo County is another wonderful tool The Big Lift is giving parents to help them in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.
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This all-in-one approach to literacy not only emphasizes the county’s dedication to education but also carefully involves families with necessary resources and encouragement to boost literacy at home and closely cooperate with teachers to maintain academic achievement.
