Read Better Be Better

Program Overview

Read Better Be Better (RBBB) was founded by Sophie Allen-Etchart in 2014 as a response to Arizona's literacy crisis. The state is ranked 47th in the nation for preK-12th education. According to 2021 AzM2 ELA assessments, 65% of 3rd graders in Arizona do not read at grade level and are often unable to make the necessary transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" by 4th grade. However, with proper reading intervention, there is an 89% chance that students who can read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade will graduate from high school, irrespective of socio-economic status.

RBBB's mission is to connect young readers and youth leaders to inspire a love of literacy and learning. Since 2015, RBBB has served over 7,500 students and currently provides programming to 66 schools in 10 districts in Maricopa and Pinal counties, as well as several community-based organizations across the state.

RBBB's program is an ESSA Tier-4 evidence-based afterschool literacy intervention program proven to improve reading comprehension, confidence, and enjoyment of reading in 3rd-grade students. The RBBB program meets twice-a-week for 90 minutes, pairing volunteer middle school "Leaders" with 3rd-grade "Readers".

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"I became more of a leader to my little and even my classmates. My little also improved her comprehension skills…….(I like) the fact that 7th and 8th graders are interacting and helping 3rd graders." Kaylie, Middle School Student, Desert Thunder