Inglewood, CA – In response to recent statistics which show that children within the Los Angeles County area are reading below proficiency levels, the Inglewood City Council adopted a resolution on March 10 establishing the I-Read Summer Reading Program. Two primary goals of the I-Read Program are to improve the reading ability and comprehension skills of Inglewood students and encourage families to regularly participate in activities to improve their children’s literacy.
According to statistics from the Los Angeles County Office of Education, Foundation of Child Development, 33% of African American and Hispanic children between the ages of 7 and 16 years old are reading below the basic proficiency level.
The “I-Read” Summer Reading Program is an enhanced version of the existing summer reading program offered annually by the City’s Main Library. In addition to storytime periods, themed arts and crafts and other activities designed to encourage youth to read during their recess, the I-Read Program provides incentives for youth to participate in and complete the program. The program also provides an opportunity for community volunteers and local businesses to contribute time and resources in support of literacy.
The I-Read program will begin on July 6, 2009 and last six (6) weeks. At the end of the program, participants who meet the minimum program requirements will be eligible to win special prizes which will be awarded at a congratulatory ceremony scheduled to take place in late August.
Registration for the program began on March 16. Students, grades K-12, may register in person at the City’s libraries and recreation centers or via the City’s website (www.cityofinglewood.org). Each participant will be provided with a reading log to keep track of the books read and the amount of time spent reading. Upon completion of a book, participants will be required to submit a two-page book review.
Additionally, participants will have the option of taking computer generated online quizzes through the Scholastics “Reading Counts” literacy program. They can choose from a variety of topics, including animals, sports, science fiction, history, humor and more. After reading the book, a participant may take a computer generated quiz. Reading points based on the grade level and degree of difficulty are assigned for each passing score. A minimum of six book reviews are required to complete the program. The online quizzes are optional and must be taken on a computer at a City Library or recreation center. Testing stations will be available at the Inglewood Main Library, Crenshaw-Imperial Branch, Morningside Park Branch, Rogers Park and Siminski Park.
“Our new and improved summer reading program is designed to reach more children by making it fun to read. Plus, the students will be eligible to win some really great prizes,” said Angela Citizen, Principal Librarian.
Grand prizes will include the XBOX 360, Sony Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii Sports, a bicycle with helmet, amusement park tickets and other great prizes. General prizes will be awarded to all students who meet the minimum reading program requirement of six books.
For general information or to register for the I-Read program, visit Inglewood’s website at www.cityofinglewood.org or call the Inglewood Main Library at (310) 412-5397. Registration is also available at Inglewood libraries and recreation centers.
