Dear Editor,
I have always heard that Minnesota is a leader in public education. However, did you know that we also have one of the largest achievement gaps? A Nov. 20 MPR article stated: “The Minnesota Readiness Study finds children of color and children who live in poverty are less likely to be considered ready for kindergarten than white students and those living above the poverty line”.
These students are considered behind before they even begin school; I was not willing to accept this. I decided to do something about it.
My four years at CSB did not teach me to sit back and do nothing when I saw injustice in my community. After graduating in 2011, I made a decision to be part of the solution. I am working as a Minnesota Math Corps tutor at the Open World Learning Community School in St. Paul. Minnesota Math Corps (and our sister program Minnesota Reading Corps). My year with Minnesota Math Corps has forever changed me. I have seen students engage and succeed due to the tutoring and encouragement I provide. The achievement gap does exist, but you can be part of the solution. Take the next step and learn more about Minnesota Reading and Math Corps. Your decision could affect students across Minnesota.
Minnesota Reading and Math Corps provide targeted tutoring using research-based learning strategies. Math Corps tutors work with fourth through eighth grade students that are not meeting math proficiency standards. Reading Corps tutors work with students age three through grade three to improve their reading skills.
The application for the 2012-13 school year is open now. Go to www.joinreadingcorps.org or www.joinmathcorps.org for more information or to apply.
Sincerely,
Katy Howell