Cultivating Future Success: TL&LC's After-School Program and the Power of Early Literacy

The Literacy & Learning Center is thrilled to share the remarkable growth of its after-school students during the 2024-2025 school year, as highlighted by its recent i-Ready reading diagnostic. This powerful assessment tool helps the Center understand each student's unique learning path, providing tailored insights into their strengths and areas for development. The data, covering the period from the end of September to the end of the academic year, provides compelling evidence of the students' dedication, the program's effectiveness, and the tireless work of TL&LC staff, volunteers, and Highlands School teachers.

At TL&LC, the staff believes that a strong foundation in reading is the cornerstone of all future learning. It's not just about decoding words; it's about unlocking imagination, fostering critical thinking, and building confidence that extends far beyond the classroom. The i-Ready program supports this by offering personalized instruction that adapts to each child's needs, helping them build essential literacy skills at their own pace. This tailored approach ensures that every student receives the support necessary to thrive.

The Center is particularly excited to report that, on average, its after-school students have achieved impressive growth in reading, consistently meeting and often exceeding their expected progress benchmarks. This demonstrates that students are not only keeping pace with their peers but are frequently advancing beyond typical expectations, building robust foundational reading skills for their future. This significant achievement reflects the personalized attention and targeted instruction provided within the vibrant learning environment, affirming the hard work and perseverance of the young learners.

The positive shifts in student placement further underscore the program's impact. A growing number of students are now reading at or above their actual grade level, signifying that more children are developing the literacy skills crucial for academic success and are well-prepared for the challenges of their next grade level. TL&LC's primary focus remains on fostering a love of reading and providing the essential tools for literacy development at every stage of development. The staff are incredibly proud of these students' achievements and remain dedicated to empowering every learner in the community.

To learn more about The Literacy & Learning Center’s after-school program, contact Caroline Cox at CCox@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org or 828-526-0863.