Keeping Our Promise 10 Years into the Read by 4th Movement
When I joined Read by 4th earlier this year, I stepped into something powerful: a citywide promise that every child deserves the chance to read and to be read to, with joy and purpose.
It’s a promise that has held strong for ten years now, thanks to thousands of families, educators, librarians, neighbors, and nonprofit leaders who have shown up, again and again, for Philly’s kids But like many promises, it needs constant tending Especially now
We are living in a moment of widespread tension and transition Federal cuts are threatening the very systems our communities rely on schools, libraries, tutoring, and local programming Across the country, attacks on diverse books and inclusive education are spreading fear Many of our partners are watching their funding disappear. Families are being told they don’t belong. And the institutions meant to serve them are stretched thin or simply not trusted.
And still, we imagine more. And demand more for our children. Because we must.
At this moment, there is power in going local There is power in listening In investing deeply in the neighborhood leaders who know what their communities need In shaping literacy work that doesn’t just live in schools, but on front stoops, in barbershops, at rec centers, and zoo trails There is power in choosing joy and finding stability in each other
Families are organizing. Schools are aligning behind the science of reading Reading scores are stabilizing, approaching pre-pandemic levels Advocates across Pennsylvania are pushing forward legislation that not only recognizes literacy as the civic imperative it is, but also puts funding behind it Partners across sectors are finding new ways to collaborate, stretch resources, and double down on what works
Read by 4th’s backbone staff has used this past year to listen carefully and move intentionally We’ve advanced our strategic plan, clarified what it means to participate in this movement, and deepened our relationships. Most importantly, we've asked hard questions about how to sustain a campaign that was built to evolve.
Because this work must evolve. Our context demands it. And our children deserve it.
There are no quick fixes to the literacy crisis We’re building something slower and stronger: an ecosystem with strong bonds to withstand a storm and not get knocked off course A culture that says: In Philadelphia, we read together and fight to protect our children's right to read Especially when it’s hard
Thank you for being part of this movement and refusing to stop fighting for a brighter future for our childre
I am hopeful because
Julia Cadwallender Managing Director
Read by 4th
Reading Performance Tracking Progress,
Driving Change
Behind every data point is a child a daughter, son, niece, nephew, or neighbor learning to read. When the numbers stay flat year after year, it can be easy to grow numb and let unjust patterns harden into low expectations But let’s be clear: this is a crisis And one we must continue fighting for
We can’t let discouragement win Change is not only possible, it’s already happening.
The shifts may look small on paper, but they represent thousands of students becoming stronger readers The trend lines show movement in the right direction, proof that our collective efforts are making a difference But progress is only the beginning; we have more work to do And the best way forward is together
To understand where we are and where we’re going, we look at a few different measures of reading:
PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment): An annual state test that shows how students in grades 3–8 are performing against grade-level standards.
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress): Known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” this lets us see how Philly stacks up against other cities and states It’s given every two years to a sample of students in public, private, parochial, and charter schools at grades 4, 8, and 12
Star Assessments: Shorter, more frequent skills-based tests used by District schools to establish students’ baseline knowledge, track progress, and identify needs
Each one paints a part of the picture Together, they help us understand how Philly’s children are learning and where we need to focus our energy
Sources for graphs (in order of appearance): Children First; National Assessment of Educational Progress; School District of Philadelphia
Scores are rebounding to near pre-pandemic levels, reflecting student and teacher resilience
65% ofPhilly's childrenare notreadingat gradelevelby 4thgrade.
More students are reaching proficient and advanced reading levels each year
A 4% increase in just two years means more children are finishing the school year strong
Family excitedly plays with Philly ABCs installation at the Philadelphia Zoo.
EMPOWERED FAMILIES
KEY STRATEGIES &
OUTCOMES
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Create and share meaningful literacy resources.
Parents and caregivers know more ways to support their child’s early reading and language
Read by 4th partners have more familyfriendly literacy resources, and use them.
DIVERSE BOOKS
Ensure families have books that reflect who they are and our world. Families have greater access to books they want to read
Read by 4th partners bring more diverse books into their programs.
80,555 literacy resources distributed
26,805 by partner organizations and 53,750 by Reading Captains
29 people trained in the Active Reading Workshop and Parent Workshop for Early Reading Skills 238 total since 2023
82% of partners say they have more family-facing literacy resources because of Read by 4th partnership
85
Book Wish grantees purchased 26,483 diverse children's books 228 awards granted and 77,586 diverse books purchased since 2023
6,094 page views of readingpromise.org and phillyabcsorg
2,483,142
ParentPowered/Ready4K text tips sent to families since 2017
79% of partners say they have greater access to diverse books because of Read by 4th partnership
LIVE AND LEARN
Playful learning lights up public housing
The Philadelphia Housing Authority and partners unveiled the nation’s first playful learning installations in public housing
New murals, Little Free Libraries, and engaging interiors invite North Philly families to play and learn together The best part? Everything was co-designed with the community
SDP presents PWERS at Black Literacy Matters Conference POWERFUL PRESENTERS
Rasheeda Polk and Joy McIntosh, Family Engagement Liaisons with the School District of Philadelphia, led a Parent Workshop on Early Reading Skills, inspiring educators and advocates nationwide to bring it back to their own communities
FLASHY PHONICS
Philly ABCs flashcards are a hot family giveaway
Learning letters just got a glow-up! Read by 4th and partners rolled out flashcards that use Philly culture to help families build alphabet knowledge at home Over 5,000 sets have been shared in just a few months.
SAVORING STORIES
BCDI’s book tasting event delighted families
Families discovered new favorites and shared joyful reading moments at the Black Child Development Institute Philadelphia & Vicinity event, where they sampled diverse stories, met local authors, and picked up tips for reading together at home.
ACTIVATED COMMUNITIES
KEY STRATEGIES & OUTCOMES
COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
Activate community members to champion literacy.
Community members are aware of Philly’s early literacy crisis and movement
ADVOCACY
Amplify and advance equitable education policies.
Community members feel energized and prepared to advocate for literacy in ways they see fit
JULY 2024 – JUNE 2025
106
Reading Captains trained 1,256 since 2017
5 events held during Reading Promise
Week 2024
206 since 2020
21
5
key policy areas selected for Read by 4th’s new shared policy agenda details at readby4thorg/advocacy
90% of partners report feeling energized and ready to advocate for literacy as part of Read by 4th.
community-driven literacy projects awarded $41,000 by the Neighborhood Literacy Fund
63 awardees granted $118,540 since 2022
PHILLY READ IN
Advocates turn the page for school libraries
Over 100 advocates of all ages gathered at the School District of Philadelphia building for a powerful Read-In. With books in hand, participants called for funding school libraries and certified teacher librarians This action was led by PARSL, PSLA, and EveryLibrary
A FORCE FOR CHANGE
PA Literacy Coalition leads the way
Launched in January 2025, the PA Literacy Coalition is a diverse, cross-sector network committed to ending Pennsylvania's literacy crisis In just a few months, they’ve hosted the PA Literacy Summit, engaged lawmakers at Capital Days, and advocated for funding the science of reading statewide.
RECOGNIZING GREATNESS
Reading Captains honored by City Council
In honor of National Reading Month, City Councilmember Anthony Phillips recognized Reading Captains for their dedication to early literacy and the many ways they serve their communities as volunteers and changemakers
DEEP DIVE
What we’ve learned from the Neighborhood Literacy Fund
After three years of the Neighborhood Literacy Fund, we partnered with Fors Marsh to evaluate the model From analyzing applications to hosting focus groups, the study uncovered what communities value and need, and how participatory grantmaking can best fight the literacy crisis moving forward.
JUST SYSTEMS
KEY STRATEGIES & OUTCOMES
QUALITY INSTRUCTION
Equip educators with resources and support aligned with the science of reading.
Educators and school leaders have increased knowledge of the science of reading Children are taught to read in classrooms using evidence-based practices.
HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING
Expand access to evidence-based reading support.
Children and families have greater access to literacy services and support
JULY 2024 – JUNE 2025
programs at 8 local universities accredited in IDA's Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading 43
Read by 4th partners are advancing quality literacy instruction
SOURCE: Read by 4th Partner Agreements 26
Read by 4th partners are advancing highimpact tutoring models
SOURCE: Read by 4th Partner Agreements
“If the most important thing in our schools is the health, safety, and welfare of our students, then the second most important is to have structured literacy in every classroom where literacy is taught.”
Dr.
Carrie Rowe
Acting
Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education
THANK TEACHERS
Partners in Progress: A Science of Reading Tribute
Change isn’t easy, but Philly’s teachers and students are embracing the science of reading. The event, hosted by Imagine Learning, Read by 4th, Teach For America Greater Philadelphia, Drexel University School of Education, and Joyful Readers, celebrated their hard work and dedication
INSISTING ON EVIDENCE
PA curriculum resource lists published, then removed
The Pennsylvania Department of Education released then quickly retracted a list of science-of-reading curricula after advocates raised concerns about weak alignment with evidence-based practices The reversal is a win for transparency and accountability
MEETING THE MOMENT
How might we remove barriers to tutoring?
Read by 4th’s Quality Literacy Instruction working group is taking a closer look at the barriers limiting high-impact tutoring access in Philly By mapping challenges from funding to staffing we’re shaping strategies to expand seats and support
SCHOOL STORY
How John Moffet School is Raising Readers
From science-of-reading training and strong teacher support to family workshops and a Philly ABCs playground installation, John Moffet School proves that centering evidence-based practices and joy makes reading magic happen
READ BY 4TH MOVEMENT
BACKBONE STRATEGIES
Maintain a clear vision and momentum
Convene and align diverse stakeholders
Learn and create best practices
Listen, reflect, and refine through evaluation
Record and amplify stories
OUTCOMES
Philadelphia has a strong early literacy ecosystem, in which all partners in a child's early literacy journey including families, community members, educators, and systems leaders have the information and resources they need to support young readers
JULY 2024 – JUNE 2025
52,068
page views of readby4th.org
179,520 page views since 2020
85% of partners say Read by 4th helps them connect with others doing similar work
91% of partners feel like they’re part of a bigger movement through Read by 4th
Partner Experience Survey, 2025
FAMILY VOICES
Read
by
4th’s Parent Council relaunches
This powerful group of parents and caregivers share their voices, perspectives, and ideas with our working groups To ensure equitable participation, members receive a stipend for attendance Their insights help keep our strategies aligned with the community
We’re co-producing a literacy-themed radio segment on WURD LITERACY IS LIVE
The monthly segment highlights the early literacy crisis and is a chance to spotlight the work of our partners It airs on Evening WURDs with host Dr James Peterson
WE WON!
Philly ABCs wins silver Anthem Award
The Anthem Awards celebrate missiondriven work worldwide. This year’s competition was the most competitive yet, with over 2,300 entries submitted from 34 countries We are incredibly proud to share this award with all of you who helped bring the Philly ABCs to life!
FRESH RESOURCES
New tools help partners stay on the same page
As part of our strategy refresh, we’ve rolled out a new suite of resources for partners, including a glossary of key literacy terms, purpose prompts to guide values-driven decision-making, quarterly working group updates, and a refreshed reading list
Everyone has a role in growing stronger readers. Thank you for embracing yours.
A Book a Day
Acelero Learning Head Start
Achieve Now
Action Planning 101 Inc
AIM Institute for Learning & Research
American Reading Company
Arcadia University
ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships
Barbershop Books
BCDI (Black Child Development Institute)Philadelphia & Vicinity
Beyond Literacy
Book Trust
Books In Homes USA, Inc
BookSmiles
Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia
Boys Latin Charter Middle School
Bright Little Scholars
Catapult Learning Chase Books
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia-Neonatology Department
Children's Literacy Initiative
Children's Scholarship Fund
Philadelphia
Connectedly - PFRT
GrandFamily Literacy Program
Cosmic Writers
Crayons for Haiti, Inc
Creative Education Learning Academy LLC
DayDream Kreative Studios
Developing Excellence, Inc
Drexel University School of Education
PARTNERS
Educating Communities for Parenting
Education On Wheels Teach EleganceXtreme Inc
Fab Youth Philly Families Forward
First Up
FLP/CHH Branch
Free Library of Philadelphia
Friends of the Andorra
Library
Gibson School of Music and Arts
Global Citizen
Global Thinking Initiatives Inc
Grandmother Collective
Greater Philadelphia
Community Alliance
Heartwell Yoga
Historic Fair Hill
Imagine More Story Adventures
Indochinese American Council (IAC)
International Dyslexia Association- PA Branch
It's Not Your Fault/Scope
John B Kelly School, Library
Volunteers Program
Jounce Partners
Joyful Readers
Juniata College
KABOOM!
Kensington Soccer Club Kiwanis Club of Philadelphia
Lakeshore Learning Materials, LLC
Language to Literacy
Latinos Educando Juntos
Lightbulb Learning Center
Lil' Bits Family Child Care
Home
Literacy and More Inc
Literacy How, Inc
Literacy Partners
Mastery Charter Schools
Maternity Care Coalition (MCC)
Mentor Leaders Produce
Mentor Leaders
Mini Montessori Academy
Mt Airy CDC
NW Philly Reading Captains
Office of Children and Families
Office of Children and Families, Philly Reading Coaches
One House at a Time - Beds for Kids Program
PARENT POWER
ParentChild+
Peyton the Great PHENND
Philadelphia Alliance to Restore School Librarians (PARSL)
Philadelphia Department of Public Health; Division of Maternal, Child, & Family Health
Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council (PICC)
Philadelphia Literacy Initiative
Philadelphia Writing Project
Philadelphia Zoo
Playful Learning Landscapes
Action Network (PLLAN)
Reach Out and Read Greater Philadelphia
Read to Succeed Philadelphia
Reading Allowed
FUNDERS
Anonymous
The Barra Foundation
Lisa F Becker and Joseph M Becker
Believe in Reading Foundation
The Benoliel Family Fund
Meg and Roger Berlin
Better World Fund
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Connelly Foundation
The Douty Foundation
The Elkes Foundation
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Samuel S Fels Fund
Otto Haas Charitable Trust, recommended by Janet and John Haas
Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
Hamilton Family Charitable Trust
John S and James L Knight Foundation
Lincoln Financial Foundation
Terry Marek and Peter L. Buttenwieser
Tobias Lit Labs
PECO
Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation
Reading Captains
Real OT Solutions, Inc
Regenerating Our Offspring
Through Stories, Inc
Sacharja
Saint Joseph's University
School District of
Philadelphia Office of Family & Community Engagement (FACE)
SchoolKit
Shawmont School Library
St Christopher's Hospital for Children
Stacey Woodson LLC
Storyshares
Teach for America Greater
Philadelphia
Teach Plus PA
Temple Infant & Child Lab
Temple University
Intergenerational CenterGrandma's Kids and Family Friends
The Hip Hop Library
The Literacy Empowerment
Initiative
The Philly Book Bank
The Reading League
Pennsylvania
The Resource Pop Up Bus
Tiny WPA
Tree House Books
Vantage
Vision To Learn
Watchdog
West Philadelphia Alliance for Children
WHYY
The Philadelphia Foundation
United Way of Greater
Philadelphia and Southern
New Jersey
Harriet and Larry Weiss
Wells Fargo
William Penn Foundation
