What does it mean when we say it takes a village to raise a child? While parenting is naturally of utmost importance, there are also many valuable learning opportunities, resources and experiences outside the family unit. Access and exposure to a variety of community assets can benefit children’s social and emotional growth and boost their academic success.
Children who read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade are far more likely to stay on track and graduate on time. Before 3rd grade, we learn to read. After 3rd grade, we read to learn.
Birmingham City Schools (BCS) and United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) launched an intensive tutoring program for BCS students who are struggling academically due to COVID-19 and other pressures. The Tutoring Partnership is designed to offset learning loss in the areas of reading and math and provide students with additional academic support for success in school and beyond.
Through progressive strategies such as Community Schools, the United Way Bold Goals Coalition and numerous partners are bringing valuable community resources to children. At the same time, we’re also making the school a hub for community services to everyone else. The Community Schools model is the epitome of collaboration. Parents, teachers, school administrators and students, in addition to community leaders, neighborhood residents and business owners, all have direct input into identifying needs for community services and developing solutions for a safe, supportive school environment. By bringing the community together in this way, the Community School integrates academic support with health and social services as well as youth and community engagement.
The United Way Bold Goals Coalition has provided tutoring support to nearly 700 Birmingham City Schools students, resulting in measurable gains in reading scores.
The Community School model addresses needs identified by the individual school system in order to customize support plans for best rates of success. *According to the Alabama State Department of Education
