Fort Worth ISD is at a crossroads, facing a literacy crisis that affects not only its students but the entire community. During a recent panel, leaders confronted the hard truth: two-thirds of students are failing to meet grade-level expectations in reading, a challenge that strikes at the heart of their future success. Interim Superintendent Karen Molinar described the district’s struggles as a “crisis,” underscoring the urgent need for bold, decisive action to prioritize literacy and give every child the foundational skills they need to thrive.
Leaders agreed that literacy is more than an academic benchmark—it’s the cornerstone of a safe, prosperous community. Pete Geren, CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, emphasized that literacy impacts everything, from public safety to economic growth, stating, “It all starts with literacy.” This shared understanding is driving a renewed call for collaboration across Fort Worth, with community leaders, nonprofits, and businesses stepping forward to support students and families in unprecedented ways.
Molinar’s data-driven approach signals hope. By tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each campus, particularly for underperforming groups, the district aims to make measurable progress. But the road ahead will require more than strategy; it demands the involvement of every stakeholder, from parents to policymakers. As board President Roxanne Martinez put it, “The work starts at home, before a child ever steps foot on campus.”
With the stakes this high, Fort Worth ISD must turn this crisis into a catalyst for meaningful change. The future of its students—and the community—depends on making literacy the foundation of its turnaround efforts.
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