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a quarterly newsletter on children's literacy |
Fall 2007 |
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Welcome to the premier issue of ladybug, the Lawyers for
Literacy quarterly newsletter! Fall is one of our busiest
seasons, with our Annual Reception, St. Pete Times Reading Festival, and
Read to Succeed FCAT preparation program just around the corner.
We've had some incredible support by tutors, sponsors, and schools this
season, and I'm looking forward to making the 2007-08 program our best yet!
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Important Dates:
October 18: Kickoff Reception, 5-8 p.m. at The
Fleming Law Group, 2701
5th Ave N, St. Petersburg.
There will be a live jazz band, hors
d'oeuvres, and refreshments. Please RSVP to Jowita by Wednesday,
October 17th.
October 27: St. Pete Times Festival of Reading, 11-5
at the USF St. Pete Campus, 140 7th Ave S, Bayboro Harbor.
November 28: Tutor training & orientation at each school from
12-1 p.m.
1st week of December: Lawyers for Literacy Read to Succeed tutoring
program begins.
1st week of March: Tutoring program ends with a lunch for tutors,
students, parents, and teachers.
March 12: Reading FCAT begins for third grade. |
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Literacy &
Juvenile Crime
The
correlation between illiteracy and crime rates, particularly among
juveniles, has been documented and studied for more than 30
years. A 1978 study by Project Read concluded that the national
average reading level of ninth-grade children in the criminal system
was fourth grade, and the Bureau of Justice
Statistics determined in 1997 that "individuals with a low
literacy level are at greater risk for criminal behavior and
incarceration." National
Center on
Education, Disability and Juvenile Justice (http://www.edjj.org/litSkills.html).
That finding is supported by the actual numbers:
85% of children in the juvenile system have below-average reading
skills, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Children in Florida
are particularly at risk. Associated Content reported in 2005
that an overwhelming 77% of fourth-grade children in this state are
reading below proficiency. Moreover, the
average statewide FCAT reading scores for 2007 were in the
300 range out of a possible 500 points. (Pinellas County
schools averaged 312 points.) In light of these statistics,
much remains to be done to improve literacy levels in our community,
thereby helping reduce juvenile crime rates. |
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For
additional information, or if you are interested in individual or
corporate sponsorship opportunities, please call (727)
323-4020.
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