New Coalition Aims to Transform Reading Instruction for 30,000 Milwaukee Students
Milwaukee Reading Coalition to drive citywide improvement in early literacy through educator training and support
MILWAUKEE – Today, a first-of-its-kind coalition of leaders from Milwaukee Public Schools, charter and private schools, as well as numerous civic, business, community and philanthropic organizations officially launched the Milwaukee Reading Coalition (MRC) at the Greater Milwaukee Committee’s September member meeting.
Led by co-chairs JoAnne Anton of Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Dr. Howard Fuller, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Marquette University, and former MPS Board Member Mark Sain, the Coalition includes 86 organizations and 115 individuals who have pledged their support for the shared mission to ensure that every Milwaukee student reads at grade level by the end of third grade.
To achieve its goal, the MRC will invest time and resources into the professional development of all kindergarten through third-grade educators in Milwaukee, supporting the training of teachers – including both general and special education – and school leaders over the next three years.
“Milwaukee stands at an inflection point. Reading proficiency among kindergarten through third-grade students is unacceptably low, and that reality carries long-term consequences for the future of our youth and our city,” said Dr. Fuller. “The solution is clear and evidence-based. Research shows that when early-grade educators receive high-quality, science-based reading instruction training and coaching, student outcomes can improve dramatically.”
At the launch, the MRC announced the formation of the Milwaukee Reading Commission, which will oversee program implementation to support the training of Milwaukee educators. The Commission will use current and future funding to cover training costs for K5 through third-grade educators, provide necessary instructional materials and offer $1,500 stipends to educators who complete the program.
“From better health and housing stability to stronger educational and career outcomes that impact economic mobility, literacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce disparities in Milwaukee,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “By investing in the professional development of teachers and principals, we can build a sustainable system for reading success across Milwaukee.”
“At Milwaukee Public Schools, we believe that all of the children of Milwaukee – and all means all – can read. As we launch our new literacy plan in schools across MPS, we are grateful to be joining all schools in our community on this shared imperative,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius. “As we move forward with the work of accelerating literacy outcomes for our students, we are grateful for the support of our partners and the access to needed resources.”
As part of today’s launch, the Coalition announced early support from key Milwaukee institutions, including Herb Kohl Philanthropies and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, to help fund the work of the Milwaukee Reading Commission. The MRC was also the recipient of a grant from the MKE 2024 Host Committee, organizers of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The Coalition will be pursuing additional public and private funding to continue scaling the effort.
Community members and organizations are encouraged to get involved in this important effort to support the children of Milwaukee and our community’s future by visiting milwaukeereadingcoalition.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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