Read by 3rd is a volunteer driven program designed to “Build Successful Families” by: Transforming the parents’ vision of themselves and their children. Providing parents with the skill sets and resources to help their children. The parents commit themselves to agreements that include reading and telling stories to their children, providing a quiet place and time for their children to read, study, engage in educational activities at home, and become more mindful of how they communicate with their children. Providing access to educational, recreational and community opportunities. Our vision is to help children, but more importantly help the parents. We help parents by giving them the skill sets and resources necessary to develop an understanding of what it is they can do to help their children “Learn to Read” at grade level by the third grade so that each child can “Read to Learn” for the rest of their life. The Read by 3rd Pilot Program started in Bryan ISD in Anson Jones and Ben Milam Elementary Schools. Our vision is to establish the program in all schools within the Bryan and College Station ISDs and ultimately through the great State of Texas and beyond. Daniel R. Hernandez was born in Bryan, Texas on November 4, 1950. He graduated from Texas A&M University (B.S., 1973) and is now practicing law as a local attorney (admitted to the Texas Bar in 1987) and former Bryan City Councilman. Community Volunteer Facilitator Daniel Hernan­dez of Hernandez Law Firm, P.C., saw the need in our community for parent programs that help inspire children. Principals, Holly Scott at Milam Elementary and Linda Montoya at Anson Jones El­ementary, agreed with Hernandez’s vision and Read by 3rd Program was created in 2013. There are plenty of reading programs for children, but Read by 3rd is unlike any other, because the focus is on the parents — the most significant teacher in the child’s life. Studies from the Annie E. Casey Foundation ( http://www.aecf.org/ ) and elsewhere suggest that household income is the primary determinant for student achievement at all levels. Students who do not read at grade level by third grade have only a 20 percent chance of catching up to their proficient peers; and students who do not read at grade level by third grade are four times more likely than their peers who never experienced poverty to drop out or fail to graduate from high school.

The Read by 3rd Program helps “Build Successful Families” by giving parents skills and resources to help their children “Learn to Read” at grade level by the third grade so that each child can “Read to Learn” for the rest of their life. Schools have a number of educational courses for the students to learn to read, however, homes are beyond the scope of schools. There is a need to transform, equip and provide the parents the vision, skills and tools needed for their children to succeed. That’s what Read by 3rd accomplishes. “Out of all the mothers I’ve always wanted this. This is helping me. Because of this program, I know my children can have a career, be an important person and excel. Above all, I dream that one day they will go to Texas A&M. That’s my dream, and if I’m here to help them, it will happen.” “We can help the children, but more importantly help the parents, give them the skill sets, develop an understanding of what it is hey can do. To achieve this goal, Read by 3rd helps transform the vision, attitudes and relationships between parents, teachers and volunteers. Volunteers assist in developing skills and strategies among the participants. Participants also benefit by learning about resources and opportunities available to their family.” “I’m proud of my children. In school these last six weeks my son has received A’s, been excellent in his conduct, and even been awarded a prize. My daughter has received the same award too.” “Studies have shown that when children do not learn to read by the third grade, they tend to drop out of school at some point. By giving them success and working with the parents, we can improve those things. As a Judge, I see a great number of children come into the juvenile justice system because of this very thing – they are not successful in school and they end up committing crimes, end up in the juvenile system.” “Because of the importance of an educated workforce to our business community, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to support the ‘Read by Third’ initiative. It is our belief that the emphasis placed on parent involvement is vital to preparing our children for better and more fulfilling careers.” “The core beliefs of the Read by 3rd program is to be able to step out of what you know into the unknown to function, accept, and believe…They know that they must set and achieve goals. They know that there are people who can and will help them when they aspire to reach those goals through all adversity. And most important they know that they have a faithful parent who is willing to help them through each step along the way. I aspire to not only have my children to be more, understand more, and achieve more, but I would strongly encourage all kids and their families to just give Read by 3rd a try. You won’t be disappointed and you will gain more than you thought you knew.” “Few people would argue about the value of high-quality experiences for young children. We know from research that parents, schools, and the quality literacy environments they create are significant factors in the development of young children’s literacy. Children experience more success when the literacy practices in the home mirror those practiced in school. A clear implication is the need to engage both parents and teachers, especially in economically stressed or diverse communities, in ways that promote children’s early literacy abilities. Read by 3rd is one example of a collaborative effort by school teachers and parents to jointly foster children’s success. By providing linkages that incorporate, family, culture, schools, and communities, Read by 3rd engages parents and teachers to create environments that engage children. Read by 3rd lays an important foundation for success. The research is clear, diverse children need supports that extend through their schooling to help prevent early language and literacy gaps and promote academic success.”