Join us for an interactive session where we will explore the transformative power of literacy as a civil right and the role of high-quality tutoring and mentoring in shaping a future where every child gets what they need to achieve their full potential. This session will spotlight the disparities created by the "shadow education system," where access to private tutoring among affluent families often remains hidden, contributing to educational opportunity gaps. Through discussions on innovative mentorship and tutoring programs that leverage cognitive science and apply national quality standards, we aim to illuminate pathways for dedicated volunteers and community members to help provide effective, compassionate systems of support for all children. Attendees will leave with a renewed commitment to fostering literacy, armed with strategies to make a tangible difference in their communities.
By the end of the session attendees will:
- Gain a deep understanding of the essential role literacy plays as a civil right, emphasizing its significance in empowering individuals and communities;
- Learn about the "shadow education system," in which access to expensive, high-quality tutors creates disparities in educational opportunities and literacy outcomes; and
- Discover how integrating tutoring and mentorship with the cognitive science of learning can bridge the opportunity gap in literacy education, ensuring every child has access to effective reading strategies and the support of a consistent, caring mentor.