NYC Tries to Boost Child Literacy Rates
NYC Tries to Boost Child Literacy Rates
The New York City Council's announced a new reading program to increase youth literacy rates.
New York City's children aren't reading as much as they should be. That's according to the City Council. Elected officials announced a program that will fight what their calling the city's early literacy crisis.
The First Readers Program is a coalition of libraries and community organizations working to increase New York City's child literacy rates.The City Council says currently 70% of third grade New Yorkers are reading below grade level.
Council Member Steve Levin says early education is the best way to keep kids up to speed.
"The more we help our children with language skills, with literacy skills, talking to our children, teaching our children, the better off they're going to be and the better off we're going to be as a city."
Levin says the program also encourages parents to engage their children in reading activities at home.
