The Problem:

"A student who can't read on grade level by 3rd grade is 4 times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who does read proficiently by that time. Add poverty to the mix, and a student is 13 times less likely to graduate." 

(The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2012)

A large majority of students in Waco ISD are considered economically disadvantaged, and most Waco ISD elementary students are reading below grade level.

Not graduating from high school can lead to a host of negative outcomes, from joblessness to low earning potential to incarceration, which continues cycles of poverty and academic struggles. Even if they do make it to graduation, reading difficulties keep students from many opportunities in life.