Rising second grader Niana Chavez shifted around on the grass near the Bradley Community Center as a lime green balloon bobbed in the breeze.
The 7-year-old and her mother listened to the leader of parental advocacy group Parent Shield explain that the balloons in more than 20 people’s hands represented Fort Worth’s literacy rate. With a flick, the balloons floated into the sky — mirroring the trajectory the gathered parents hoped to see in reading proficiency.
“They symbolize lifting literacy for not only our kids who are here today, but for every kid in the city of Fort Worth,” Parent Shield executive director Trenace Dorsey-Hollins said.
Across the city, 54% of students are not reading on grade level, Dorsey-Hollins said, citing data from the Fort Worth Education Partnership.
Nearly two years ago, Parent Shield released black and green balloons to mourn the city’s literacy rate. The statistic then, was 57%.
“We’re going in the right direction,” Dorsey-Hollins said. “But our kids deserve to be at 100% reading on grade level.”
Niana’s mom, Alejandra Chavez, was surprised when she learned about Fort Worth’s low literacy rate.
She has ensured Niana and her two siblings read every day. She guides her children through tough words when they get stuck. Reading is a priority in their household, she said.
Chavez wants the same for children across her hometown.
“I’m looking forward to (the rate) growing,” she said.
Improving reading skills requires a united community, Dorsey-Hollins said.
“The only way that they can get that, the only way that we can ensure that we have a voice in the fight is that we fight together,” she said.
Another fight may be brewing: the potential takeover of Fort Worth ISD. A school that triggered the potential state intervention was just a block away from the site of the balloon release.
Chavez was not aware of the looming decision although a takeover would impact her daughter’s school.
For now, she’s focused on getting Niana ready for the second grade at Fort Worth ISD’s Glen Park Elementary.
Niana paused for a few moments to think about what she’s looking forward to during the new school year.
“What do you want to do?” her mother asked.
Niana glanced at her mom. Down. To the side. Then it came to her.
“Read more!”
Jacob Sanchez is education editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at jacob.sanchez@fortworthreport.org or @_jacob_sanchez.
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