SV Heart Photography
We are in the middle of a literacy crisis.
Nationwide – more than 2/3 of all children are not reading at grade level.
The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) revealed that nearly 70% of all 4th and 8th graders in this country read below grade level, setting them up for difficulty in school and higher school dropout rates.
Among black children in Wisconsin, that number is devastatingly lower. In the Madison Metropolitan School District, over 85% of black students are not reaching proficiency levels. Literacy tutors trained in the Science of Reading are essential to closing these gaps and helping every child thrive.
The NAACP has declared literacy as the number one civil rights issue of our time.
Mastering reading takes dedication and a supportive learning environment. More than 60% of children need structured, 1-on-1 support while learning to read. While there have been great strides in recent years to introduce science-backed reading curriculums, additional resources are needed to give every child the individualized, personal attention they require to master reading.
Research shows that if a child is not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade, there is a 70% chance they will never catch up.
Beginning in 3rd grade, all curricula assume reading proficiency and stop offering explicit instruction in foundational reading skills—even though strong reading is essential for success in all subjects, including math, science, and social studies. Therefore, if students do not master the building blocks of reading taught by 3rd grade – they will inevitably be left behind. Schools play a critical role, but they cannot solve this crisis alone.
The community must step up.
This is where *START Literacy Initiative is working to make a difference.
How *START Literacy is combating the literacy crisis
- Training volunteer tutors in the science of reading
- Providing intensive support to struggling readers in GCC’s elementary after-school program
- Rallying the community through public information and events
*START Literacy Volunteer Reading Tutors
Join a learning community where you can get hands on experience to become a high impact tutor.
Become a *START tutorResearch indicates that high impact tutoring can lead to significant gains in reading, with some studies showing it to be 15 times more effective than standard tutoring models for reading. In some cases, high-dosage tutoring has been shown to double or even triple student learning gains in a single academic year.
*START Literacy offers community volunteers a new innovative pathway to become high-impact literacy tutors.
All tutors receive thirteen weeks of hands-on training in evidence-based *Science of Reading curricula, facilitated by Goodman Literacy Specialist, Iris Patterson. Volunteer tutors participate in the *START Residency, a semester-long intergenerational tutoring model that pairs small teams of adults with elementary youth to improve the young person’s reading skills. Tutors are given toolboxes of activities and resources to use with Goodman enrolled Lit Club students. They also receive continued support from each other and the program leaders.
Tutors are then encouraged to take their newly honed skills into schools and the community.
*START helps Goodman students thrive
In partnership with local elementary schools, the *START Literacy Initiative recruits GCC’s Elementary After School program students who have been identified by MMSD staff as needing reading support. These students are invited to join the *START Literacy tutoring program, nicknamed “Lit Club.”
Each student is given an exclusive support team that tracks their progress and works through each activity based on the student's specific reading needs and goals.
During Lit Club students often receive 2-on-1 (2 tutors to 1 student) academic support that incorporates literacy-building games and learning incentives to build invaluable reading skills and confidence. Students read aloud to their tutors and the group, and successes are celebrated at every step.
For more information on elementary enrollment, go to the elementary afterschool page.
Building a community-wide response to the literacy crisis
No one group — kids, parents, teachers, tutors, librarians, or community centers—can solve the literacy crisis alone. We need to work together to raise awareness of the problem and provide solutions.
*START Literacy educates the public about the literacy crisis and science-based solutions through awareness-raising events and media outreach.
Additionally, we maintain a resource page with links to science of reading-based training materials, offer limited-time programs like *START Pizza Points, and host events to encourage literacy.
To be alerted about upcoming opportunities, follow GCC on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to our monthly email newsletter.
Support the *START Literacy Initiative
From our blog
Goodman’s summer curriculum interrupts the traditional ‘slide’ that challenges students
June 30, 2025
GCC combines learning and fun to slow students’ summer learning loss.
Commemorating a year of literacy accomplishments with a poem
June 23, 2025
The *START Literacy Initiative wrapped up its first school year in May, celebrating a year of growth, connection, and meaningful reading progress for every student involved.
Volunteer Spotlight: START Literacy Tutors
April 17, 2025
Written by literacy specialist, Iris Patterson. Lead volunteers: Carol McCartney, Kathy Young, Kristin Martin, Shan DiPiazza, Susan Patterson and Susan Podebradsky
For more information about START Literacy Initiative contact:
Iris Patterson
Literacy Specialist
email hidden; JavaScript is required
JavaScript is required to reveal this message.