The Humboldt County Office of Education and Lexia present “The Right to Read.”

When a child can’t read, their chances of incarceration, homelessness, and unemployment increase. That’s why Oakland-based NAACP activist Kareem Weaver believes literacy is one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time and is fighting for better reading instruction. “What good is winning the right to vote if we can’t even read the ballot?” Fed up with the bleak reading scores in his own community, Kareem files a petition with the Oakland Unified School District demanding change.

ABOUT THE FILM:
The Right to Read movie shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. Join fellow educators and community members for a special viewing of the film, followed by a debrief and discussion.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 37% of 4th graders in the United States read “below basic” according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
• 56% of Black 4th graders, 50% of Hispanic 4th graders, and 57% of American Indian/Alaska Native 4th graders are reading “below basic.”
• 70% of 4th graders, who are identified as students with disabilities, are reading below basic levels.
• 67% of 4th graders who are English Learners are reading below basic levels.
• 52% of 4th graders eligible for free and reduced-price lunch are reading below basic levels. Children from families with incomes at or below 130% of the Federal poverty level are eligible for free meals.

• Cost: Free
• Who’s invited: Open to administrators, teachers, and community members!
• Co-Presenters: Lexia: LETRS and Humboldt County Office of Education

Please join us for this free film screening at the Sequoia Conference Center on August 18, 2023, 4:30-6:00.

Watch the film trailer here:

Although there is no charge, we do ask that you register ahead of time at the link provided.