While participating in the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, Ohio parent Thomasena developed a plan for a Read to Rise Literacy Program including structured parent workshops and ongoing family engagement activities. Read more about her plan below.
Introduction
Many students struggle with reading proficiency in the early grades, often due to limited support and resources at home.
Without strong literacy skills, students face challenges in all academic areas. The Read to Rise Literacy Program addresses this need by empowering families with tools, strategies, and resources to support reading at home.
By focusing on parent engagement and early literacy development, this program helps close achievement gaps and ensures
students build a strong foundation in reading. Supporting families is a key to improving student outcomes and long-term academic
success.
Goal
The goal of the Read to Rise Literacy Program is to improve reading outcomes for students by increasing family engagement and providing structured literacy support.
Objectives include:
- helping parents develop effective reading strategies,
- increasing the amount of daily reading at home,
- and improving student confidence and comprehension skills.
The program also aims to strengthen the connection between school and home by providing consistent communication, workshops, and resources. By equipping families with practical tools, the program supports students in staying on track and
achieving reading success.
Expected Outcomes
The Read to Rise Literacy Program is expected to increase parent engagement and improve student reading habits at home. Students will demonstrate greater confidence in reading, improved comprehension skills, and increased daily reading time. Families will feel more equipped to support their child’s learning. Overall, the program will contribute to stronger literacy development and help students stay on track academically.
Potential Challenges
Potential challenges include limited parent availability, inconsistent attendance, and varying levels of literacy support at home. Some families may need additional guidance or flexible scheduling options. To address these challenges, the program will offer reminders, provide simple and practical strategies, and maintain open communication. Creating a welcoming and supportive environment will encourage continued participation and help families stay engaged.
Next Steps
The next steps for the Read to Rise Literacy Program include expanding parent workshops, increasing family participation, and providing ongoing literacy support materials.
We will continue hosting monthly workshops, distributing take-home reading kits, and tracking student progress through reading
logs and surveys.
Future plans include partnering with additional schools, applying for grant funding, and building a sustainable literacy model that supports longterm reading success for students and families.