In Palm Beach County, nearly half of third graders were unable to read at grade level last year, putting them at risk of falling behind in all subjects and increasing the chances of dropping out of school. To tackle this challenge, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County is working to close the reading gap through individualized tutoring and mentorship programs.
The Literacy Coalition has long collaborated with the local school district, volunteers, and AmeriCorps, the U.S. domestic version of the Peace Corps, to provide essential educational support to children in the area. The coalition’s efforts focus on helping students improve their literacy skills and fostering a love for reading.
The organization offers personalized tutoring, and its volunteers also serve as mentors. With more than 1,000 active volunteers and 30 AmeriCorps members, the coalition is able to provide one-on-one support to students in need.
One of the AmeriCorps members, Hannah Halulko, works at a Delray Beach school four days a week. She spends time with three students each day, helping them read together and discussing the material. “I read with the kids and then they read to me, and then we discuss it,” Halulko explained. “It’s just a time really to spark joy for them in reading.”
Experts agree that poor literacy comprehension can have a long-lasting impact on a child’s academic performance. It can cause students to struggle in every subject and may lead to them dropping out of school. However, every child learns differently, and in classrooms with large student numbers, it can be challenging for a single teacher to meet each student’s individual needs. The coalition helps bridge this gap by providing additional support to teachers during reading time, aiming to reach students of all ages and backgrounds.
Currently, the coalition operates in 49 schools across Palm Beach County, which has a total of about 180 schools.
Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom
In addition to its work in schools, the coalition also supports families. Halulko is involved in a program that helps families learn English together. This program, she says, not only provides tutoring but also helps build connections that empower students and their families.
Language barriers can be a significant obstacle to academic success, especially for students who are learning English as a second language. Kristin Calder, CEO of the Literacy Coalition, explained that some students may still be trying to read in their native language while simultaneously learning English.
The coalition’s Glades Family Education and Village Readers Family Education programs address this issue by teaching both children and adults together. These programs emphasize the importance of parental involvement in education, as parents are often a child’s first and most influential teachers.
“We have two family literacy programs, and we call them that because it’s important to recognize that a parent plays a crucial role in their child’s education,” Calder said. “They are key in helping their children succeed.”
All services offered by the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County are free of charge. According to the coalition’s annual report, it served nearly 56,000 children, adults, and families last year, making a significant impact on the community’s literacy rates.
