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September is back-to-school month, and, appropriately, National Literacy Month. On September 8th, the world recognizes International Literacy Day to raise awareness about the importance of literacy as a fundamental human right. Literacy is a fundamental human right.
During the pandemic, young people experienced learning loss at an alarming rate. In 2022, the Newark test results of the NJSLA literacy test showed only 19 percent of third graders passed. In the same year, Newark’s literacy passing rate for all grades was 27 percent.
To combat these alarmingly low literacy rates, over the summer, the City of Newark unveiled a 10-Point Youth Literacy Action Plan. The plan outlines 10 actionable steps that schools, parents, and community organizations will undertake during this school year to put Newark’s students back on track.
On this episode Mayor Baraka and co-host Desiree Hadley will discuss the action plan with the Brain Trusts’s experts helping to carry out the city's literacy mission. Joining the conversation is Chief Education Officer Dr. Sharnee Brown, Assistant Superintendent of Newark Board of Education Dr. Mary Ann Reilly, Director of Community Engagement of United Way of Greater Newark Karen Leach-Toomer, and the new Director of the Newark Public Library Christian Zabriskie.
Audio Engineer:
Carter "Roc" Mangan Jr.
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