Volunteers help WNC students brush up on reading skills
A local group thinks reading is the key to reducing the rate of school dropouts, so volunteers are helping young students get up to speed on their reading skills. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)
CANDLER, N.C. (WLOS) — A local group thinks reading is the key to reducing the rate of school dropouts, so volunteers are helping young students get up to speed on their reading skills.
It's part of a local nonprofit program called Read to Succeed. Volunteer tutors pair up with students to help them achieve third-grade reading level.
The group's chairman said there's a reason behind the very narrow focus.
"We knew that third grade was the tipping point, where children who were not at reading level by third grade were far more likely to not graduate from high school," Catherine Alter said.
The tutors start working with the kids in kindergarten and don't quit until they achieve third-grade reading level. They said the one-on-one relationship gives the kids confidence and motivation.
If you'd like to volunteer with the group, click here.
