SENTENCED Documentary: RARE Supports Seattle’s Literacy Project

On Sunday, August 25th several RARE Board, friends and support members attended a special preview of the soon to be released documentary “Sentenced”. Exploring causes, challenges and the often-lifelong impacts of illiteracy on individuals and communities, the film spotlights how increased literacy rates could free children from being sentenced to generational poverty.

Arranging community gatherings to preview the documentary is the first step in a nationwide effort to draw attention to the epidemic of illiteracy. Next steps include the development of grass-roots efforts to build volunteer networks of tutors trained to support literacy in PreK – 5th grade students.

Local Efforts:

Under the direction of Roy Chang, School Connect WA is the identified leader in the Seattle/King County region tasked to prepare our city for the broader release of the film and a response of a steady stream of volunteer tutors.

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

— Frederick Douglass

RARE is one of the local community organizations with similar goals of improving reading proficiency in our schools. Other community partners include Rotary Club of Seattle, Launch, Reading Equity Project, Seattle Public Schools, Reading Partners, DEEL, Adult and Youth Learning Center, and the Eritrean Association of Seattle.

Background:
In 2017, only 26.1% of Black students demonstrated proficiency in 4th-grade reading, while the percentage was 46.7% for white students.  It is predicted that 67% of kids who don’t read at grade level by 9 years old, will end up in prison or on welfare. Children who have low literacy are more likely to get bad grades, have more school absences, and display behavioral issues. For children in school, poor literacy can make students feel incompetent, which can result in low self-esteem and isolation. A lack of childhood literacy also has a negative impact on adult life.

• A mother’s reading skill determines her children’s academic success
• Children who read below grade level in 4th grade never catch up
• 89% of children experiencing poverty and who can’t read will never catch up – Department of Education

Plan:
– Each community will create its own grass-roots volunteer response.

– From public libraries to church groups, to community preschools and childcare centers, to YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs, each organization has the autonomy to address literacy in its own context.
– A website is being developed to offer specific information for those who are interested in learning more and getting involved as volunteer tutors.

Together we can and will make a difference. 

We hope you’ll join us.

---

SENTENCED Documentary Trailer: click here

Documentary Narrator and Producer Steph Curry: click here

Teach A Kid to Read website

---

Members of RARE’s team in attendance:  Dr. Donald Felder – RARE Advisory Board, William Butler, Dr. Bea Butler – RARE volunteer, Anna Peterson & family – Thornton Creek Elementary, Joe Hunter Jr. –  RARE Board Chair, Roy Chang – School Connect WA Executive Director, Cassandra Johnston – School Connect WA Project Manager, Jenny Wu – RHS PTSA, Sarah Swanberg – RHS PTSA & RARE volunteer

Not pictured: Jessamyn Reichmann – RARE Board member, Brenda Nelson –  Seattle Public School educator, Paula Quigg – RARE volunteer