Springfield student reading effort awarded

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation has partnered up with Springfield Public Schools to improve elementary school students' reading skills. Their plan to include more community organizations and parents has earned Springfield an All-America City Award .

Reading Success by 4th Grade Coordinator Sally Fuller told 22News that it's important for all third graders achieve reading proficiency, because fourth grade is when the emphasis changes to reading comprehension and analysis.

“They really have to have background knowledge they have to read proficiently. Unfortunately, children are going to continue to struggle academically and be at higher risk for dropping out of schools,” Fuller said.

In 2009, only 36% of Springfield third graders were proficient readers. The program's goal is to get that number to 80% by 2016.