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South Bay group unlocks the secret to getting kids to read

Border View YMCA says 70% of its student improved
Posted at 7:08 PM, Aug 31, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-31 22:08:23-04

OTAY MESA, Calif. (KGTV) - A group of ambitious kids in the South Bay has achieved quite an accomplishment.

The Border View Family YMCA says 70 percent of its students improved their literacy scores in the 2016-2017 school year.

The YMCA says the literacy scores were measured by an online test called i-Ready, which all children in the program take. The test is administered at the beginning and end of the school year.

“I started to be good at my reading,” explained third grader Valeria Gonzalez. She is one of the many students whose scores improved.

YMCA Team Leader Danielle Robello says their program is unique because it asks for student input. The kids are surveyed to gauge their interest in different topics, and the study plan is tailored accordingly.  

“Just really get to know the kids, know what they’re interested in, adjust curriculum based on what they want to learn,” she said.

Robello also cited another factor in their success: A $10,000 donation from the Scripps Howard Foundation. The check was delivered in person by 10News General Manager, Joel Davis in January.

In addition to the money, 10News donated 1,300 books, paid for by donations from 10News employees.

The Border View YMCA provides services to a group of about 20 students at three schools in the Chula Vista Elementary School District: Los Altos, Silver Wing, and Juarez-Lincoln.