GREENVILLE, S.C., March 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following
last year's successful pilot program, Duke Energy and Reading Is
Fundamental (RIF), the nation's largest children's literacy
organization, are partnering for a second consecutive year to
minimize the summer slide and improve the reading proficiency of
more than 3,000 current second graders in South Carolina.
During the summer months, all children are at risk of losing
some of the learning and skills they've acquired over the school
year. If the summer learning slide is not addressed at an early
age, some children might fall behind as much as three years in
reading comprehension by the end of fifth grade. In addition,
existing research shows that 75 percent of students who read poorly
in third grade, a benchmark for literacy skill building, remain
poor readers in high school.
For the pilot year of the program, data was reported from 28
schools comparing second graders' test performance in spring 2016
compared to third graders in fall 2016. More than half of those
reporting showed gains or no change in reading proficiency, a
successful outcome for the first year of this type of program.
Angela Lisenby, a school reading
specialist in McColl, S.C., a
small rural town in Marlboro
County, reported after last year's program that the books
"definitely motivated" children to read. "The students were very
excited," she said. "I even had one tell me, 'It feels like
Christmas. I've never had my own books.' There was not one child
that wasn't engaged."
As part of RIF's Read for Success program, the students receive
eight books of their choosing and a book bag, journal and other
motivational items to take home to enhance reading over the summer
months. Last year, more than 26,000 books went home with students
for the summer.
In addition, teachers receive a collection of 35 fiction and
nonfiction books for the classroom and school library; printed and
online access to enrichment and instructional activities; and
in-person and online professional development to effectively
implement the program model.
"The unfortunate reality is that six out of 10 low-income
families have no age-appropriate books in their homes," said
Alicia Levi, president and CEO of
RIF. "The eight books and literacy resources students take home at
the end of the school year not only motivate them to read over the
summer, but more importantly, provide the fundamental building
blocks needed to achieve their highest potential."
Families in participating South
Carolina schools will be encouraged to take part in the
summer book distributions – to begin in the coming weeks – and
share stories together to help students develop a love of reading
and experience the magic of books.
As with last year, dozens of Duke Energy employees will
volunteer at these events, helping distribute books and talking to
students about science and technology careers.
RIF will also have available supplemental booklists and fun
activities for families to experience reading throughout the
summer.
"Reading proficiency is the most important predictor of school
success and high school graduation," said Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, president of Duke Energy in
South Carolina. "Our children are
the future leaders of our communities, and it is imperative that we
as a company and community contribute to their success."
The program will be available in 36 Title I elementary schools
in the Pee Dee region in northeast South
Carolina. School districts in the South Carolina program include: Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Lee,
Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg.
About Duke Energy
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to
address the needs of the communities where its customers live and
work. The foundation provides more than $30
million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation's
education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy
and workforce development. It also supports the environment and
community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) employees and retirees actively
contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide
variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to
building on its legacy of community service. For more information,
visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
Facebook.
About Reading Is Fundamental
Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is committed to a literate
America by inspiring a passion for reading among all children,
providing quality content to create impact, and engaging
communities in the solution to give every child the fundamentals
for success. As a champion for children's literacy since 1966, RIF
has provided more than 412 million books to 40 million RIF kids
over 50 years, inspiring generations to read, learn and grow. Sign
up for our newsletter at www.rif.org and follow us
on Twitter and Facebook to learn more.
Ryan Mosier, Duke
Energy
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Ryan.Mosier@duke-energy.com
Aubrey Bourgeois, Reading Is
Fundamental
202.536.3438
abourgeois@rif.org
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SOURCE Duke Energy