I am speaking on behalf of our youngest, most vulnerable, and voiceless citizens of this region. I recently discovered that the Simcoe County Board of Education is cutting the Reading Recovery Program from our elementary schools starting next fall.

This world class and highly recognized program has been in place in our public schools since 2001. It is up and running and has proven itself to work.

Research shows again and again that this program is the only one that is highly effective and very successful. It produces readers. It also saves the board considerable funds in ongoing special education that most of these children would require over numerous years if they did not have it.  

It gives these five and six-year-olds higher self esteem because, upon completion of it, they can read.

It stops potential behavioural problems that can develop in later grades when kids can't read. All other programs pale in comparison.

I ask then, the simple question, why? Why would the board cut something they know works? It just doesn't make sense.

I am asking all parents who have had their children in Reading Recovery programs, all parents who are concerned about escalating behaviour problems in our schools, all teachers and administrators who know that this program produces results to stand up for these children of our future and say, "NO."

Do not cut Reading Recovery for any other program that has not proven effective consistently over years that they work. Save Reading Recovery in SCDSB. Save it for these kids. Let your school trustee know right away that this is not acceptable.