Together is Better: A Recap of Read by 4th's 2023 Partner Network Meeting
Each year we come together as educators, community leaders, funders, and families to celebrate our impact, examine pressing needs, and plan for the future of the Read by 4th movement. Fighting the early literacy crisis is demanding and emotional work. Our annual Partner Network Meeting offers a moment to refuel and replenish by acknowledging and celebrating one another.
Jenny Bogoni, Executive Director of Read by 4th opened the night with a reminder of the power of partnership. Drawing on the work of social sector leader John Kania, Jenny shared that when we think about systems change we often focus on the top line of policies, practices, and alignment of dollars. But real change happens when we build stronger trusting relationships, when we shift power dynamics, and, most importantly, when we shift mental models. Whether we are shifting our understanding of how children learn to read, how we envision and design our neighborhoods, or how we think about empowering families to be leaders in this work, engaging, being present, and building relationships is essential.
“Changing how families are empowered, communities mobilized, and how systems are set up can only really happen when we remember that systems are made up of people. That means our work is, by its nature, relational. And that change will happen at the speed of trust.”
Throughout an evening full of intentional fellowship, we heard from partners sharing highlights from three critical strands of Read by 4th’s work: family engagement, community mobilization, and systems change.
Family Engagement
The charge of the Family Engagement working group is focused on equipping families with the necessary information, resources, and tips to support early literacy skills. It also aims to ensure that children have access to meaningful and culturally relevant books they cherish in their homes. One of the highlights of the evening was the Parent Workshop on Early Reading Skills, a ready-made workshop that teaches families of children in grades K-3 the fundamental skills of reading. The workshop not only embodies evidence-based practices, a powerhouse crew of community leaders has recently stepped up to help deliver it citywide. Workshop facilitator Ciara Vargas shared her experience being a part of Read by 4th and how her grandmother's legacy fuels her passion for increasing access to resources for families across Philadelphia.
“My grandmother was one of five children and was not allowed to attend school. She lived her life for others. Always motivating me to succeed academically and extend myself to the community to help others. Hosting Parent Workshops for Early Literacy Skills is one way I honor her legacy.”
Continuous learning as a value and practice was a theme echoed throughout the evening. Given our partners' interest in expanding access to diverse books, in January 2023, Read by 4th arranged for 45 partners to attend the Mirrors, Windows, and Doors Workshop hosted by Malkia Singleton Ofori-Agyekum, Pennsylvania State Director of ParentChild+, and Katie Rubinstein, Director of Quality Initiatives at PHMC. This workshop created the space for partners to deepen their understanding of the impact of representation on the social-emotional development of children and families and gain actionable tools for developing a more equitable book distribution practice. Jinaki Bright, Education Director at Read to Succeed, shared how participating in this workshop sparked meaningful personal reflection on her own reading experiences. And that resources like the Anti-Bias Book Checklist pushed her organization to look beyond book distribution, and truly explore what it means to provide the right books—ones that reflect, affirm, and celebrate the diverse communities they serve.
Community Mobilization
The Community Mobilization working group's charge is to energize community members with information and resources to champion early literacy and embed playful learning design and literacy into public and community spaces. We heard from Rachael Todaro, Philly’s own Playful Learning Fellow about the incredibly high bar Philadelphia is setting as a playful learning city, and the powerful exchanges happening between partners around the working group table. Lydia Currie's rousing speech had us all cheering on the amazing work of Philly’s Reading Captains (whoop whoop!). Lydia’s passion for literacy led her to become a volunteer school librarian and Reading Captain. She also served on the selection committee of the Neighborhood Literacy Fund and shared just how inspiring it was to see the innovation coming from community leaders in finding solutions to the literacy crisis. While Lydia praised the indispensable role of grassroots organizing and the growing support for community action across the movement, she called for greater accountability of systems. In particular, the lack of certified school libraries and how the Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians is working to ensure that every public school in Philadelphia has access to a certified librarian.
Systems Change
This year’s Partner Network Meeting provided an opportunity for local literacy advocates to engage with the School District of Philadelphia about their newly released strategic plan, Accelerate Philly. Although Dr. Watlington was unable to attend in person as planned due to a board meeting, Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson (Dr. Ny), Chief of Curriculum and Instruction, addressed attendees as both District representative and fellow partner. Dr. Ny, who sits on the Systems Change working group, highlighted the importance of centering the school and school leadership teams as the primary agents of change. Recognizing and applauding the impact of Chapter 49 legislation that now requires Pennsylvania's higher education institutions to provide teacher preparation in structured literacy, Dr. Ny emphasized the need for capacity building for educators at all levels—from teacher preparation at universities through ongoing professional development for teachers and principals. Dr. Ny also offered a poignant warning against vilifying those at different stages of understanding the science of reading. While we may feel we’re at the finish line having mastered how children learn to read, we must bring everyone on this journey. This race is not against each other. When it comes to fighting the literacy crisis, we must be one team.
“Philadelphia has a Superintendent that is not afraid to say the words: there is a science of reading.”
Carrying Hope on the Road Ahead
In a room alive with celebration, we still held space for a truly sobering statistic: 71% of Philly’s fourth graders are struggling with reading. Yet as we face a persistent literacy crisis made worse by a global pandemic, a few words from Dr. Ny stood out as worth carrying into the next chapter of our work. “Don't become desensitized to the numbers. There are young people sitting behind those numbers waiting for us to come and do something for them… So before we go down that deficit mindset, let's just think about what we haven't done yet to get our young people what they need. Because they are more than capable.” In all that we do it’s important to say this truth out loud: our children are capable of becoming strong readers and thriving in their education and beyond. And the literacy crisis, though challenging, is solvable.
Read by 4th's Annual Partner Network Meeting was a reminder of the power of collaboration and partnership. Every story shared reinforced our core belief that addressing the early literacy crisis requires collective effort—that together is better. For all who were able to celebrate alongside us, we hope you left inspired, motivated, and ready to continue the important work ahead. And for anyone looking to join Read by 4th, know that everyone has a role to play in growing stronger readers. And we’re happy to help you find yours.
