A student uses letters to spell words during a lesson at John B. Riebli Elementary in the Mark West Union School District.
Sonoma County Literacy Promise
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 — 40.96% — of Sonoma County’s third 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 third 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.
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.
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.
Learn More and Join Us
SCOE is hosting a Literacy Summit event the afternoon of Thursday, June 12, where we will bring 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.
To learn more about the event, please reach out to Teaching & Learning Director Mira Patel at mpatel@scoe.org.
Literacy is not a privilege. It's a promise we keep for every student.