Introducing the Sonoma County Literacy Promise
A student uses letters to spell words during a lesson at John B. Riebli Elementary in the Mark West Union School District.
Students in the Mark West Union School District read together.
Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter reads to students at Marguerite Hahn Elementary School in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District.
Students in the Bellevue Union School District write during class.
A student in the Windsor Unified School District reads a children's book.
The Sonoma County Office of Education offers professional development to train educators in the Science of Reading, using an approach called Orton-Gillingham.
The Sonoma County Office of Education offers professional development to train educators in the Science of Reading, using an approach called Orton-Gillingham.
Let's talk, Sonoma County
Sonoma County is filled with beauty and potential, yet too many of our residents are held back by a critical challenge: literacy. It’s time to come together and change the story.
Right now, fewer than half — 41.57% — of Sonoma County’s 3rd graders are reading at grade level. Additionally, California’s adult literacy rate is 76.9%. These statistics highlight a critical problem that requires our attention and collective commitment to change.
Why is this important?
Third grade marks the shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Without strong reading skills by this age, students may fall behind. Research shows that children who read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade are far more likely to graduate high school and far less likely to face long-term unemployment, homelessness, or incarceration.
We believe Sonoma County can do better — and together, we will.
The Sonoma County Literacy Promise is a call to action for community members, educators, and business leaders to come together and create real, lasting change.
Read the Sonoma County Literacy Promise
The Sonoma County Literacy Promise is rooted in a shared commitment to improve literacy outcomes for all. This promise is strengthened by partnerships with public and private organizations who are dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to the resources needed to become proficient readers. In partnership with educators, students, and the community, we pledge to support and enhance classroom instruction and provide enrichment opportunities that promote equitable outcomes for all. Together, we will foster a strong culture of literacy across Sonoma County.
The Great Literacy Adventure
On April 11, 2026, the Sonoma County Office of Education and Northern California Public Media teamed up to host The Great Literacy Adventure, a free celebration of reading and learning rooted in the Sonoma County Literacy Promise.
This joyous, daylong event at NorCal Public Media brought together more than 300 children and family members with community partners and dynamic literacy advocates. Children interacted with beloved PBS characters, nationally recognized authors, and representatives from local organizations engaged deeply in promoting literacy.
Our Partners and How You Can Help
This big challenge won't be solved overnight. It will take our entire community working together and committing to keep at it. Here are some of our partners in this important work. To learn how you can help them improve literacy outcomes for everyone in Sonoma County, click each partner's "Learn More" link.
SCOE Literacy Fellowship
The Sonoma County Office of Education Literacy Fellowship is a countywide initiative to boost student achievement by equipping teachers with effective literacy instructional strategies. The fellowship builds teacher capacity, fosters collaboration, and aims to create lasting, positive impacts on student literacy outcomes throughout the county.
Sonoma CAN
Sonoma Community Action Network champions literacy through programs like Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pasitos. These programs empower parents as their child's "first teacher." By integrating weekly book bags and bilingual literacy activities, they foster shared reading at home, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Child Parent Institute
Child Parent Institute (CPI) supports family literacy by providing parent education, early childhood development, and school-based services that help families build reading and learning habits. CPI supports families in creating shared learning experiences, providing access to resources, and strengthening family relationships.
Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County
The mission of the Child Care Planning Council is to convene and inspire the community through collaboration, leadership, and advocacy to promote and plan for quality child care and development for the benefit of all children, their families, and Sonoma County.
California Indian Museum and Cultural Center
The California Indian Museum and Cultural Center (CIMCC) honors the resilience and sovereignty of California Indians. Led by Native expertise, it amplifies traditional knowledge through education, advocacy, and innovative exhibits. As a cultural hub, CIMCC empowers youth and reframes narratives to increase visibility, fostering curricular reform rooted in shared reciprocity.
Raising Readers
Click through the gallery to learn about things families can do at home to encourage a love of reading.
Let your child see you as a reader: Your child learns what matters by watching you. When they see you reading, they learn that reading matters. Make a point of reading in front of your child as often as you can.
Make a special time for reading: Dedicate time every day for you and your child to sit down together to read, look at, and talk about books. Many families routinely read at bedtime, but other times may work better in your home.
Say "yes" to reading requests: As much as possible, say yes to reading when your child asks. By reading when your children want to, you're reinforcing that reading is a good way for everyone to spend time.
Keep books on hand: Always keep books with you and put them in places your child will be, whether that's in the car, in the kitchen, or in the bathroom. If books are near toys, they're more likely to be picked up.
Read everything: Take advantage of your surroundings! There are opportunities to read all around us. Signs, recipes, magazines, posters, there are worlds to discover everywhere.
Visit the library: Check out books as part of your family's weekly routine. The librarian can help you find books at the right age level for your child.
Read aloud in your home language: If your family speaks a language other than English, read to your child in your home language. This builds students' skills in the home language, and makes it easier for them to learn to speak, read, and write English in the future.
Literacy Summit Sonoma
Literacy Summit Sonoma
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter and SCOE hosted Literacy Summit Sonoma. This event brought together community, business, and nonprofit leaders alongside educators to raise awareness of the critical importance of literacy. Our goal is to build a brighter, more equitable future for all through the Sonoma County Literacy Promise.
Read a recap of the event here.
If you wish to get in touch with a literacy expert at SCOE, please contact Teaching & Learning Director Mira Patel at mpatel@scoe.org.
Literacy is not a privilege. It's a promise we keep for every student.