PHILADELPHIA – In partnership with Read by 4th, the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, Read To Succeed, Center for Black Educator Development, Reading Allowed, Teach for America, and Joyful Readers, the School District of Philadelphia presented the highly anticipated film screening of The Right to Read to a 1200+ crowd at the Fillmore Philly Tuesday night.
“We cannot improve student academic outcomes without prioritizing reading and literacy in the District, especially in our earliest learners,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. “Literacy is the foundation of all learning, which is why proficient reading by the end of third grade is so critical. We are thrilled to be partners in this screening, one that we hope inspires future conversation, action and engagement so we can collectively invest in Philadelphia’s youth.”
The Right to Read provides a deep exploration of the nation’s early literacy crisis. Through compelling narratives and interviews, the documentary sheds light on the science of how children learn to read as well as the complex history of evidence-based reading instruction. By amplifying the voices of activists, educators, and families, the film underscores the urgency of reading as one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time.
Read article in it’s entirety on the School District of Philadelphia’s website.