Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) invites you to the launch of a bold new reading initiative aimed at raising the literacy rate for students throughout Duval County. The “Read It Forward Jax” campaign will partner city, business, faith based, and non-profit leaders throughout the community to share in helping teach Jacksonville’s children about the importance of reading.
“This is about changing the culture of the city. Reading can open so many doors for our students. Our goal is to have every child reading at grade level every year and this reading initiative provides the necessary resources to ensure success,” said Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals.
The launch is the culmination of months of detailed research and planning. “Read It Forward Jax” will focus on improving reading performance for students in grades K-12. The school district will provide additional professional development opportunities for teachers and require extended reading instruction for students who are not yet proficient.
Mentoring agencies, non-profits and the business community will provide human and material resources to enhance the literacy skills of our students. DCPS business partners have already begun purchasing new classroom libraries to increase student’s love of reading and increase their comprehension.
“Read It Forward Jax” utilizes the latest technology to reach every student at every age. This summer, a state of the art “TV Textbook” will be made available to 50 students in a pilot program. These small boxes will hook up to a standard television, and can be used to teach highly engaging reading lessons at home. In the future, parents can eventually utilize the boxes to learn new ways to read with their children. Business partners have stepped up to support this exciting development and more will join.
The DCPS’ academic team has built a plan to teach instructors the latest literacy techniques to provide students the tools they need to succeed. That professional development will be taken a step further as mentors and reading volunteers throughout the city mirror that academic plan.
Where: Matthew Gilbert Middle School
When: Tuesday, June 7, 10 a.m.
What: The “Read It Forward Jax” launch will feature guests including Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals, Duval County School Board Members, Mayor John Peyton, Mayor-Elect Alvin Brown, Sheriff John Rutherford, Jacksonville Fire/Rescue Department Chief Dr. Charles Moreland, Baptist Health President/CEO & Jax Chamber of Commerce Chairman Hugh Greene and many more.
Stations will be set up for the media to showcase the “TV Textbook”. DCPS Academic Services team members as well as DCPS leadership will be on hand to answer any questions.
Duval County Public Schools operates 172 schools and serves approximately 123,000 students. The school district is committed to providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy and culturally diverse world.
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