Community Volunteers Power Reading Gains for Second Graders

The book lies open, its pages lined with words that don’t yet come easily. A young reader leans forward, carefully piecing together each sound, tracing her finger across the page. At her side, a volunteer reading coach offers an encouraging smile, waiting for the moment when the sentence clicks. And then it does — the child beams with pride.

Moments like these happen every day in Kern County classrooms, thanks to the Community Reading Project. Since 1999, volunteers have been sitting alongside second graders, guiding them through just 15 minutes of focused practice. It’s a small commitment of time that yields lasting confidence and measurable growth.

Sandhya Patel has been part of the program since 2023.

“All the students love to read with me — they love the one-on-one attention,” Patel said. “When they start predicting what’s going to happen next, I know they’re really understanding what they’re reading.”

She added that the work is as rewarding for her as it is beneficial for the students.

“You see improvement week by week,” she said. “I would recommend this opportunity to anyone.”

The improvements are backed by data.

At Karl F. Clemens Elementary School in Wasco, students who participated in the program began last school year reading an average of 25 accurate words per minute. By May, they were reading an average of 65 words per minute — a 160 percent gain — and all were reading on grade level.

These gains come at a time when reading proficiency is a challenge both nationally and locally.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about one in three fourth graders nationwide read proficiently. In Kern County, fewer than half of students meet grade-level English Language Arts standards.

A community reading coach works with a second grader at Karl F. Clemens Elementary School in Wasco.

Researchers have long warned that children who are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade are much more likely to struggle later in school.

“Reading is the foundation for all learning,” said Ryan Murry, Content Coordinator for English/Language Arts at KCSOS.

Volunteers commit just one hour a week for at least one semester. After a short training in guided reading strategies, they’re paired with classrooms and rotate among several students, coaching each for about 15 minutes.

A different volunteer comes in daily, ensuring consistent attention for students who need the extra practice. The focus on second graders is intentional, as this is a critical age for developing fluency and comprehension skills that set the stage for long-term academic success.

The program welcomes retirees, stay-at-home parents, college students, and working professionals with flexible schedules. Volunteers not only help children improve their reading but also show them that the community cares about their success.

“People are often surprised at how rewarding it is,” Murry said. “You get to see the lightbulb go on for a student, and you know you’ve helped change the trajectory of their learning.”

Those interested in volunteering should reach out to Murry at  rymurry@kern.org or at 661-636-4230.