SMART: INSPIRING LITTLE READERS
VISION: An Oregon where every child can read and is empowered to succeed.
MISSION: We engage community volunteers to read one-on-one with K-3 children who need literacy support.
Participating children also receive new books each month to keep and read with their families.
Research shows that:
- 1 in 3 Oregon fourth graders reads below the basic level.
- Children need to learn to read by third grade so they can read to learn.
- Those who don’t learn to read by third grade are more likely to struggle with reading as adults, drop out of school, and be less successfully employed.
But here’s the difference SMART makes. A study by the Eugene Research Institute reveals that fifth graders who participated in SMART are 60 percent more likely to reach state reading benchmarks than are similar students who did not participate. SMART students develop reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension significantly faster and maintain these gains even after completing the program.
How SMART Works
SMART partners with hundreds of schools statewide to deliver proven literacy support to K-3 children. Teachers recommend students for participation in the program, which complements the school’s curriculum.
Local SMART Coordinators recruit and train community volunteers to read once a week from October to May with two children. The consistent, one-on-one relationship gives children the attention, self-confidence, and skills to succeed in school and beyond. SMART further encourages children to read outside the classroom by giving them new books each month.
Community Funding
SMART relies on financial and volunteer contributions from the communities it serves.
Get Involved
In 2007-08, we plan to serve 11,600 children statewide.
Volunteer with SMART to inspire little readers in your community. Donate to help us deliver the literacy support they need. Together we can build brighter futures for Oregonians big and small.
Fact Sheet