To recognize the strength of literacy achievement, today, Scholastic, in collaboration with the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), a coalition of 78 of the nation’s largest urban public school systems, announced Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) as the third annual winner of the Richard M. Robinson Literacy Champion Award.
Over the last decade, students in DPSCD have achieved the highest literacy proficiency scores. Notably, in 2023, the district reported incredible gains in English Language Arts in grades 3-8 on the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-STEP) – surpassing pre-pandemic results. District officials credit this positive stride to an ongoing commitment made by educators to fostering a nurturing, strong literacy foundation for every student which includes wide access to robust school support, high-quality curriculum materials that are culturally relevant, and research-based reading intervention programs.
As part of the Richard M. Robinson Literacy Champion Award prizing, DPSCD has selected Mason Academy elementary school to receive a library makeover! This spring, Mason Academy will receive a donation of more than 6,000 high-quality, age-appropriate books, a one-year site license to Scholastic Literacy Pro®, an award-winning blended learning program that provides 24/7 access to more than 2,500 fiction and nonfiction e-books for purposeful independent reading, allowing personalized student choice while providing teachers with real-time data to inform instruction. In addition, every enrolled student will receive a summer book pack of 10 titles to take home and own, encouraging independent reading beyond the classroom.
Beth Polcari, Executive Vice President and President, Scholastic Education Solutions said: “It’s a privilege to commemorate Dick Robinson’s legacy as a champion of children’s literacy by presenting this award to such a high-achieving district. Dr. Nikolai Vitti, the committed educators and professionals of the Detroit Public Schools Community District deserve to be celebrated for the outstanding strides they’ve taken to ensure both education and empowerment for students. Access to books in classrooms, homes and combating the summer learning loss, as research continually proves is important for building foundational reading skills in this next generation of readers. Our Kids & Family Reading Report™ has shown parents agree every child needs access to books and this award will continue to build upon Detroit's commitment to children’s literacy. On behalf of Scholastic, we are proud to partner to build a stronger Detroit.”
Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools said: “It is an honor not only to be recognized as a high achieving district within the Council, but it is also a point of pride to have one of our schools be designated for a makeover to continue to foster the love of reading with exciting updates and more books to read. We thank the Council and Scholastic for their continued support of our district but most importantly, supporting our students.”
Named in honor of the late Scholastic Chairman and CEO, this annual award recognizes a CGCS member school district for demonstrated progress in advancing reading achievement with the goal of further supporting gains by increasing access to digital and print books, magazines, and materials within the district. This award continues to honor late Chairman and CEO Richard (Dick) Robinson, who believed in the power of reading and that all children should have equal access to engaging and empowering books.
Congratulations to Detroit Public Schools Community District and Mason Academy! To learn more about this exciting event and award, be sure to follow Scholastic Education Solutions on Twitter @ScholasticEdu!
