The children really responded to seeing community members they ’ re not used to seeing come in, read with them, and engage with them around a text. —Natasha Hatcher, Middle School ELA Teacher, H.B. Wilson Family School, Camden City School District Partnering with Community: The program benefited from partnerships with libraries, universities, and community organizations, which provided additional resources and support. Camden actively collaborated with these organizations and mentors to create meaningful connections between students and community role models. Community events, including a book distribution at a local ice cream shop, brought together local businesses, families, and educators to celebrate literacy, reinforcing the district ’ s commitment to community-centered education.
Research underscores the importance of family and community involvement in enhancing literacy outcomes, particularly in communities facing economic challenges. (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
Creating Welcoming and Engaging Environments: Efforts to ensure classrooms were inviting, culturally relevant, and responsive to students ’ diverse backgrounds were integral to the program. By offering books and materials that reflected students ’ experiences, Camden nurtured a sense of belonging, which research shows is linked to improved attendance and academic outcomes.
Studies show that training educators in literacy skills and fostering mentorship relationships can significantly enhance reading comprehension and student engagement. Exposure to culturally responsive books also helps students develop a sense of identity and inclusivity. (2) (3)
Empowering Families: Family engagement was central to Camden ’ s attendance and literacy goals. Parents were provided with take-home books, literacy guides, and access to an interactive family portal. Training events for families included guidance on reinforcing classroom learning at home and the importance of consistent attendance to academic success. These trainings are designed to help sustain students ’ reading habits through shared literacy experiences at home and decrease rates of chronic absences.
ADVANCING LITERACY, ATTENDANCE, AND ENGAGEMENT IN CAMDEN CITY SCHOOLS 4
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