Bethel Summer Reading Program: A Game-Changer for Young Readers

Exciting news! The Bethel School District is making huge strides in literacy, and the latest data proves it. Students who participated in our Summer Reading Program are improving their reading skills so much that nearly one in four no longer need intensive literacy support—a testament to the program’s impact.

Transformative Results for Early Learners

Focused on intensive reading instruction, this program has not only improved literacy outcomes but also strengthened family engagement, increased educator effectiveness, and created a joyful learning experience. Here’s a glimpse of the progress:

• Kindergartners’ intensive reading needs dropped by 23%, with strong gains in comprehension.
• 3rd graders saw a 22% drop in intensive reading needs, putting more students on track for long-term academic success.
• Overall, 25% of students—1 in 4—who attended the seven-week summer program no longer qualify for intensive reading intervention!

A Summer of Engaging Learning

During the seven-week program, students explored exciting themes like birds of prey, the solar system, and the ocean. Their daily schedules were filled with social-emotional learning (SEL), music, PE, and literacy instruction, making learning both fun and impactful. Field trips to the Portland Zoo, Newport Aquarium, and the Science Center helped bring their lessons to life. Parents describe the program as “life-changing”—not just for their students, but for their entire families.

Why Summer Reading Matters & How State Support Can Help

The Bethel Summer Reading Program is proving that early intervention works. With continued summer support for K-3 students, more students will be on track to meet critical reading benchmarks by the end of 3rd grade, setting them up for lifelong success. Continued funding and expansion of programs like this will help more students meet grade-level expectations, reducing long-term intervention costs and improving academic outcomes.
With legislative support, we can expand this proven program and ensure that every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to become a confident, proficient reader.

A District-Wide Commitment to Literacy

More Bethel students are reading at grade level than they were three years ago. That’s because Bethel has transformed its approach to literacy by focusing on the Science of Reading. Strategic investments in professional development, high-quality curriculum, and literacy coachinghave played a major role in this success. Strengthening summer reading programs and providing targeted interventions have ensured that literacy remains at the heart of our work.

Want to Learn More?

Watch this video to see how we’re transforming the lives of our youngest learners.