Families In Schools Launches Read LA! App to Enhance Early Literacy Across Los Angeles
In a significant step toward fostering early literacy among children, Families In Schools (FIS) has unveiled the Read LA! initiative, now accessible through the ReachWell app. This program is aimed at equipping families in Los Angeles with a suite of carefully curated, curriculum-aligned literacy resources designed to support children’s reading development from a young age.
The Read LA! app distinguishes itself by offering a wealth of content tailored to various age groups and grade levels in over 130 languages. Notably, the app operates without requiring users to create an account or share personal details, thereby maximizing accessibility for families across the city. This initiative is part of a broader mission to achieve substantial literacy outcomes; the stated objective is to ensure that 70% of students within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) can read proficiently by the end of third grade by the year 2030.
At the heart of this initiative lies the recognition of the critical role that parents and caregivers play in fostering literacy at home. Through Read LA!, Families In Schools aims to empower families with the necessary tools and insights to support their children’s educational journeys. This focus complements the organization’s advocacy for policies aimed at enhancing literacy instruction within classrooms, which is of paramount importance given that only 43% of third graders in Los Angeles currently meet grade-level reading benchmarks.
Yolie Flores, president and CEO of Families In Schools, emphasized the importance of uniting classroom instruction improvements with active parental engagement. “While enhancing classroom teaching is crucial to improving literacy outcomes, effective family involvement is one of the most influential factors in a child’s educational success,” she stated. “We are eager to partner with ReachWell, as families are seeking actionable information and support to guide their children toward academic success and broader life accomplishments.”
The development of the Read LA! app was intricately informed by the voices of parents and caregivers, in addition to insights from focus groups and coalition partners. This collaborative approach ensures that the resources provided are trusted and relevant for families navigating their children’s literacy journeys. Moreover, the app serves as a platform to disseminate critical updates and resources from Families In Schools, the Read LA! Coalition, and various partners.
Zuben Bastani, CEO and founder of ReachWell, highlighted the app’s commitment to equitable access. “Equitable community engagement is our mission. We crafted the app to ensure that all families can access vital literacy resources with ease,” he noted. “The Read LA! initiative is a crucial asset for the community, and we are proud to facilitate this partnership.”
To access the Read LA! app and explore available resources, visit familiesinschools.org/read-la. This new initiative marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to elevate literacy rates and educational outcomes for children in Los Angeles, fostering a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed in reading and beyond.
,fit(1200,675),quality(65)&w=300&resize=300,300)
