Improving California’s Literacy One Classroom At A Time: Recent CSUEB Graduate Aims To Strengthen Her Elementary School Students’ Reading Abilities
BY ELIAS BARBOZA
According to the latest study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, 40% of California’s fourth graders read below their grade level, the highest percentage in 20 years. This outcome is likely due to the state’s challenging teacher shortage, according to the Learning Policy Institute. One of those elementary school teachers is dedicating her career to combat the rising reading challenges of 4th graders and improve literacy in the classroom.
Her name is Jocelyn Garcia, a recent Master of Science in Reading and Literacy Program graduate and current fourth grade teacher at Grant Elementary School in San Lorenzo.
“We’re in a reading crisis,” said Garcia. “It’s all students, K through12. But that feeling of being able to have the skills to help kids become stronger readers and get them where they need to be makes me feel better and hopeful for our future.”
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