How to help get Salem kids reading
Most kids in Salem elementary schools struggle to read.
That remains true even after students showed slight improvement in annual state tests in the spring. State data released last month showed three in four third graders in the Salem-Keizer School District remain behind the reading level expected for their grade.
After the data was published, Salem Reporter asked readers what they wanted to know about the district’s test scores and efforts to improve.
Several said the same thing: how can we help?
This guide was compiled based on suggestions from educators and local organizations promoting literacy and working in schools.
Volunteer as a reading tutor
Several Salem and nearby elementary schools have programs through SMART Reading, a Portland-based nonprofit that operates volunteer reading programs.
Volunteers sign up to read with children for an hour per week at a specific school. Learn more about what volunteers need to do and apply here.
In Salem, programs at Yoshikai Elementary and McKinley Elementary need volunteers. They’re just starting up for the school year and aim to serve 50 Yoshikai students and 30 at McKinley.
Other area schools with high volunteer needs are Jefferson Elementary in Jefferson, and Lincoln Elementary, Nellie Muir Elementary and Washington Elementary in Woodburn. Bilingual readers in Spanish and English are needed at some schools.
Jefferson especially needs volunteers, said Phoebe Petersen, the organization’s communications director.
“Reading with a child for just one hour a week can ignite confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Volunteers often tell us it’s the best hour of their week — and the impact lasts a lifetime,” said SMART Reading Program Manager Sage Kiernan-Sherrow in a statement.
A full list of SMART reading programs needing volunteers is here. Those interested can call 503-391-8423 for more information.
Help out at school
School volunteerism hasn’t made a comeback since Covid.
After several years of school closures or Covid restrictions and vaccination requirements, many parents and community members got out of the habit — or just didn’t feel welcome helping out, educators said. School leaders want to change that and let people know their help is needed.
People can apply to volunteer through the Salem-Keizer School District online or by printing a paper form from the district website. The form asks about criminal history and requires a criminal background check. There are no vaccination requirements for Covid and no health-related questions on the form.
Once approved, people can reach out to their local school’s office to ask about specific needs, like tutoring or reading to students.
Promote reading for kids in your life
Children should start reading as early as possible. Experts agree being read to as a baby and toddler helps kids become familiar with books and sets the stage for academic success.
“Literacy should not begin with entering formal education, and as much exposure to reading (as possible) is beneficial for children before they ever enter a school,” said Aaron Harada, Salem-Keizer School District spokesman, in an email.
Parents, guardians or other people who interact with kids can read to them. The Salem Public Library also offers regular storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Storytimes are available in English, Spanish and Russian.
Several local organizations offer classes and help for parents to learn about literacy and ways to promote education for their children.
- The Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality offers Spanish-language early learning and parent education programs with a focus on literacy. Check their Facebook page for class information.
- The Marion Polk Early Learning Hub offers free information and resources for families on getting kids ready for kindergarten, including starting reading at a young age.
Help gets books to kids
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library mails free books monthly to children ages 0-5 across Oregon. Locally, the program is managed by the Early Learning Hub, which pays the cost of postage. If you’re a caregiver for a young child, sign them up to receive books here. If you want to support the program, you can donate here.
A variety of Little Free Libraries across Salem act as resources for families to get free books. Putting books for infants and children into those libraries is an easy way to help. The East Salem Rotary Club maintains 11 libraries around east and northeast Salem in areas of high need that are far from the public library. Check out their locations here.
Lisa Harnisch, executive director of the Marion Polk Early Learning Hub, also suggested these ways to promote kids reading:
- When giving gifts (birthday or holidays) always include books as part of the gift.
- Donate books to local non-profit organizations that serve children and families.
- If you are a restaurant business owner, make children’s books available to children to read while waiting.
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers education, economic development and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for over a decade and is a past president of Oregon's Society of Professional Journalists chapter. Outside of work, you can often find her gardening or with her nose buried in a book.
