Reading Partners

Literacy unlock opportunity

Reading Partners is a nonprofit that empowers tutors to provide one-on-one literacy instruction to elementary students. By partnering with schools, community groups, and corporate sponsors, they work collaboratively to bridge the literacy gap.

Reading Partners is committed to ensuring that students gain the critical reading skills needed to prepare them for academic, social, and civic success. At the core of their program model is the use of multiple data sources to monitor student progress and site quality, and to evaluate program success. From annual student assessment and quality monitoring activities to researching the effectiveness of pilot initiatives and contracting for independent studies, Reading Partners systematically collects, analyzes, and uses data to generate knowledge, improve programs, and report on impacts.

They assess student reading skills three times during the year and formally survey teachers twice each year to track each student’s progress and ensure high-quality programming. The assessment process enables their staff to benchmark students’ reading levels at enrollment, modify instructional reading plans during the year, and report gains at the end of the school year.

In addition, their tutors write observational notes after each tutoring session. Their site staff review the notes and use the information to provide additional instructional support and guidance for tutors throughout the year.