This is the tenth–and final–entry in a series of stories counting down to the start of school, spotlighting what is new in HISD in the coming year.

Literacy By 3 — which launches in every school on the first day of classes — is HISD’s movement to turn around and end the literacy crisis in Houston — not a mere initiative or program. Its mission is to have every child reading and writing with fluency by the end of Grade 3 — but Literacy By 3 will reach students at every level who are struggling with reading mastery.

In the classroom, Literacy By 3 will employ uniform strategies at every campus at the elementary and secondary levels, with a highly personalized approach for each student. Teachers were trained during the summer on phonics-based instruction with guided reading, and every campus developed a literacy plan that uses a consistent framework while addressing unique needs. All schools have appointed a literacy leader to support and monitor Literacy By 3, and every elementary campus received a library organized by reading level and classroom libraries.

Soon, the district will be unveiling its Read Houston Read volunteer program that will seek to place mentors for one-on-one face-to-face or online tutoring with first-graders in 59 schools. “Like” the Read Houston Read page on Facebook to learn about community reading activities throughout Houston and tips for families.