Literary & DLI Initiative
Literacy
Studies show that the benefits of reading include increased vocabulary, improved critical thinking and stronger empathic skills. The American Library Association recommends that an effective library program contain a minimum of 15 books per student in the library. It is expected that measurable reading improvement will also position students for success in all other core academic subjects.
Dual Language
Students apply and attend the DLI program from across all school sites in the District. The goal of the DLI Literacy program is to lift students’ reading ability and proficiency in both English and Spanish, which will have a far-reaching impact on their ability to succeed in school and in life. Offering a Dual Language Immersion program directly at the school site is a proven, viable solution to help students learn proficiency in both English and Spanish.
Conversations with Goleta Valley library and families in the community reveal the challenge of accessibility to Spanish language books. They are not as accessible as English books and cost more to purchase (the average cost of a library-bound Spanish language book is $20). Teachers encourage parents to use school libraries as a resource and they have been taking advantage of the local Spanish book collection at El Camino Elementary School. GEF is actively partnering with the Goleta Valley library to increase outreach and awareness for young readers. $5000 would support our author’s reading series, providing students and families the opportunity to experience local authors and take signed copies of the books home with them.
Thank you to our 2021 literacy partners!
