Logo of the San Antonio Youth Literacy Organization Design Element
Design Element

Introduction to "Let's Read!"

In 1999, Shelley Bennack McCullough, then SAYL's executive director, conceived and implemented the "Let's Read!" program to foster strong literacy skills in elementary-aged children who are struggling with reading. The mission of "Let's Read!" is to promote the literacy skills of San Antonio's at-risk youth. Volunteer Reading Tutors work one-on-one with students who are reading below grade level.

During the summer of 2003 SAYL, in consultation with a reading specialist, revised and improved the "Let's Read!" curriculum. Through this collaboration, "Let's Read!" took another step in becoming a premier youth literacy program. One of the many improvements in the program is the addition of a reading grade level assessment. The assessment allows SAYL to accurately pinpoint the students most in need of tutoring. The current program will help achieve the "Let's Read!" program goals: To provide opportunities for guided reading practice with a caring individual, to foster an enjoyment of reading, and to enhance motivation and self-esteem of at-risk children through the experience of reading.

More Information About the "Let's Read!" Program

The "Let's Read!" program trains community members as Volunteer Reading Tutors to work one-on-one with students in need of reading instruction.

More Information About Volunteer Reading Tutors