Education Taskforce Launches Reading Revolution with Summer Camps

Children in grades K-4 participated in the summer reading camps at Dorothy Emanuel and Simons Recreation Centers.

Have you heard about the work of the 4th district Education Taskforce? In April, I convened an Education Taskforce made up of parents, teachers and activists to discuss and address the challenges facing our children. Since that time, the taskforce has made a number of strides towards improving the quality of education in the 4th district. They have provided feedback to the Pennsylvania Department of Education on testing, funding and school performance profiles. They have distributed 2015 summer reading lists at Wister Elementary School, which otherwise would not have had the paper to print reading lists at all.

Importantly, the Education Taskforce has helped launch a Reading Revolution through their involvement in establishing two new READ! By 4th summer camps at Dorothy Emanuel and Simons Recreation Centers. These reading camps – the product of a partnership between AARP Experience Corp and the Free Library of Philadelphia – have served over 70 children in grades K-4.  Early childhood literacy is a gateway to opportunity and can make the difference in ensuring children graduate from high school and go on to college. The establishment of these new summer reading programs was a significant accomplishment of the Education Taskforce. Their hard work will continue to make a difference as the Reading Revolution moves forward, and as they complete development of an after-school program directory this year. 

Arcadia University Offers Dual Enrollment to Martin Luther King High School Students

Upperclassmen attending the Promise Academy at Martin Luther King Jr. High School will have the opportunity to enroll in college courses at Arcadia University starting this school year. In December 2014, I encouraged a partnership between the two schools that would allow for dual enrollment. The institutions later met and agreed to offer the program beginning this September. Dual enrollment can save students a great deal of money in financing their college education. This fantastic opportunity being offered to Martin Luther King High School by Arcadia University will ensure students can get ahead at a time when a college degree is crucial for success.

Dare to care,

Art Haywood
State Senator
4th District

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