READING: Help wanted

Our school kids are struggling. Did you know that two-thirds of Idaho’s grade school students have problems reading? The National Assessment of Education Progress shows that reading scores in Idaho have remained flat for many years. Reading should be of the highest priority in education. If students can’t read well, they don’t learn well.

You don’t have to wait for the Idaho Legislature to diagnose the problems and come up with new solutions and programs. You can do something right now to make a difference to a struggling child.

One way is to participate in the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) as a volunteer tutor in local schools. The schools are encouraging it and the volunteers already in the program are loving it and making a difference. The need is critical and more volunteers are needed.

Who ever said one person couldn’t make a difference? Not only will you be helping a child learn to read and become a more successful student, you will be helping him or her to build self-esteem. What a gift!

You can give your gift by volunteering as a tutor. You can be that one person helping to open up the world of learning to a child. Don’t be surprised if you also help with zippers and shoe laces.

To find out more about the program, contact me at the Area Agency on Aging, 667-3179 ext. 241 or bbbaker@aaani.org.

BETTY BRAY BAKER

Coeur d’Alene