Between the Lines: Early Literacy & Education Equity in Philly

Too many of our children are struggling with reading. While this is a national crisis, here in Philly, over ⅔ of our children aren’t reading at grade level by the time they reach 4th grade.

This is a matter of equity, racial justice, and one with lasting detrimental effects for our children and city. But there's hope—failing systems can be redesigned with honest reflection and collective action. 

As part of Reading Promise Week 2020, Read by 4th hosted a conversation with some of Philly’s brightest education leaders and Emily Hanford, Senior Education Correspondent at American Public Media and author of What the Words Say. 

Watch this conversation to learn more about science-backed approaches to teaching reading, the interwoven cycles of poverty and illiteracy, how we can better work alongside families, and solutions for a brighter future.

Thank you to our all-star panel of education leaders.

• Maria Banks, Early Literacy Supervisor, Children’s Literacy Initiative

• Yolanda Fontanez Coleman, Founder & CEO, Team Tutor 

• Sharif El-Mekki, Founder & CEO, the Center for Black Educator Development

• Emily Hanford, Senior Education Correspondent at American Public Media 

• Barbara A Wasik, Ph.D., Temple University School of Education