Reading is the foundation of learning. From the moment children step into a classroom, their ability to read influences their success not only in academics but in life. Research has consistently shown that children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education or vocational training. In contrast, those who struggle with reading at this crucial stage often face challenges that can last a lifetime.
In Boone County, the importance of early reading proficiency is underscored by data collected on third grade reading levels. According to the Boone Indicators Dashboard, in the most recent data available (2022), five out of six of the largest school districts in Boone County saw significant decreases in the number of third graders who scored proficient or above on the Language Arts section of the state MAP test.
This means coming out of the pandemic, Boone County’s young students are struggling to grasp the basic skills they need to succeed in later grades. These statistics are alarming and call for immediate community-wide attention and action.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Reading Levels
The pandemic exacerbated existing educational disparities, particularly in reading proficiency. Most of us are familiar with what occurred. The overall disruption to daily routines created an environment where many students fell behind. For some, the lack of in-person instruction meant missing out on crucial reading interventions that are provided by teachers who can identify and address reading difficulties early on. The challenges inside the classroom are receiving the full attention of our teachers; now let’s also address this challenge outside of the classroom.
Heart of Missouri United Way’s Read Across Columbia Program
In response to the urgent need to support early literacy, the Heart of Missouri United Way and many partners have added more resources to the community. Nonprofits like Grade A+, Boys and Girls Club, United Community Builders, among others are focusing on how to bridge this gap. In addition, Boone County’s Upward Mobility project has a cohort devoted to convening teachers and education stakeholders around efforts to advance early grade literacy.
At Heart of Missouri United Way, we are continuing our Read Across Columbia program. This program provides books to first and second grade students in Title One schools with the lowest third grade English Language Arts MAP scores. Our goal is to foster a love of literacy in these young grades to ensure that every child in Columbia can succeed in reading.
Through partnerships with local schools and organizations such as the COMO Business Times 20 Under 40 Class of 2024, Downtown Optimist Club, Downtown Rotary, the Rotary Foundation, MU Health Care, and MU men’s and women’s basketball teams, Read Across Columbia does more than distribute books to children. It also encourages daily reading habits and provides tools for parents to support their children’s literacy development at home and encourages young students to patronize the Daniel Boone Regional Library.
Reading: A Community Effort
I want to challenge everyone in the community to read for at least 20 minutes a day. Whether it’s reading to a child, reading with them, or setting an example by reading yourself, these small actions can make a big difference. And opportunities are everywhere.
As we look toward the future, we must prioritize a collective commitment from the community to advance literacy. Reading is not just a skill to be developed in schools — it is a lifelong habit that should be nurtured and celebrated. The future of our children and our community depends on it.
Andrew Grabau
Andrew Grabau is the President and CEO at Heart of Missouri United Way.
