{"id":61496,"date":"2025-11-20T04:16:33","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T04:16:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/61496\/"},"modified":"2025-11-20T04:16:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T04:16:33","slug":"community-volunteers-power-reading-gains-for-second-graders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/61496\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Volunteers Power Reading Gains for Second Graders"},"content":{"rendered":"

The book lies open, its pages lined with words that don\u2019t yet come easily. A young reader leans forward, carefully piecing together each sound, tracing her finger across the page. At her side, a volunteer reading coach offers an encouraging smile, waiting for the moment when the sentence clicks. And then it does \u2014 the child beams with pride.<\/p>\n

\"\"A student follows along in her book, pointing to each word as she reads with the support of a volunteer at Clemens Elementary in Wasco.<\/p>\n

Moments like these happen every day in Kern County classrooms, thanks to the Community Reading Project. Since 1999, volunteers have been sitting alongside second graders, guiding them through just 15 minutes of focused practice. It\u2019s a small commitment of time that yields lasting confidence and measurable growth.<\/p>\n

Sandhya Patel has been part of the program since 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the students love to read with me \u2014 they love the one-on-one attention,\u201d Patel said. \u201cWhen they start predicting what\u2019s going to happen next, I know they\u2019re really understanding what they\u2019re reading.\u201d<\/p>\n

She added that the work is as rewarding for her as it is beneficial for the students.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou see improvement week by week,\u201d she said. \u201cI would recommend this opportunity to anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

The improvements are backed by data.<\/p>\n

At Karl F. Clemens Elementary School in Wasco, students who participated in the program began last school year reading an average of 25 accurate words per minute. By May, they were reading an average of 65 words per minute \u2014 a 160 percent gain \u2014 and all were reading on grade level.<\/p>\n

These gains come at a time when reading proficiency is a challenge both nationally and locally.<\/p>\n

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about one in three fourth graders nationwide read proficiently. In Kern County, fewer than half of students meet grade-level English Language Arts standards.<\/p>\n

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A community reading coach works with a second grader at Karl F. Clemens Elementary School in Wasco.<\/p>\n

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Lantz Collignon, a retired Social Service Supervisor with KCDHS, spends time working one-on-one with a young reader at Beardsley Elementary as part of the Community Reading Project. On his first day as a volunteer, he leaned in with patience and encouragement, guiding students through their sight words and helping build early reading confidence. Collignon, who was inspired to volunteer after years of reading to his own children and grandchildren, hopes to help students discover joy in books and strengthen foundational skills that will support them throughout school.<\/p>\n

Researchers have long warned that children who are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade are much more likely to struggle later in school.<\/p>\n

\u201cReading is the foundation for all learning,\u201d said Ryan Murry, Content Coordinator for English\/Language Arts at KCSOS.<\/p>\n

Volunteers commit just one hour a week for at least one semester. After a short training in guided reading strategies, they\u2019re paired with classrooms and rotate among several students, coaching each for about 15 minutes.<\/p>\n

A different volunteer comes in daily, ensuring consistent attention for students who need the extra practice. The focus on second graders is intentional, as this is a critical age for developing fluency and comprehension skills that set the stage for long-term academic success.<\/p>\n

The program welcomes retirees, stay-at-home parents, college students, and working professionals with flexible schedules. Volunteers not only help children improve their reading but also show them that the community cares about their success.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople are often surprised at how rewarding it is,\u201d Murry said. \u201cYou get to see the lightbulb go on for a student, and you know you\u2019ve helped change the trajectory of their learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those interested in volunteering should reach out to Murry at \u00a0rymurry@kern.org<\/a>\u00a0or at 661-636-4230.<\/p>\n

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