Superintendent of Schools Jerry D. Weast was named “Educator of the Year” Monday by the Cable Telecommunications Association of Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia for his efforts in creating the Ruth Rales Comcast Kids Reading Network in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS).

The Reading Network is a partnership among MCPS, the RFI Foundation, and Comcast of Montgomery County. More than 800 Grade 2 students in 56 high-poverty schools are learning to read fluently in this one-on-one tutoring program. On average, students in the program have shown gains of at least one grade level in reading fluency and comprehension by program completion. The program currently has more than 650 volunteers serving as tutors and is actively recruiting more.

The program’s success is due, in part, to the quality of books and materials provided and to the ongoing training the tutors receive. Each tutorial session follows a scripted format so that tutors and students know what to expect and can move comfortably through each lesson. The progress made by students is monitored weekly with the assistance of school-based teachers who serve as program coordinators.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition on behalf of a program that is a true public-private partnership that benefits our children,” said Dr. Weast. “This program is a success because we have wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to our children and because we have the strong support of both the RFI Foundation and Comcast of Montgomery County.”

More information on the Reading Network is available at the link below.