Reading Success by Fourth Grade

About Read

About RS4G

We are a community making sure that all children learn to read.


RS4G Reimagined

Davis Foundation Hires Director of Early Literacy Initiatives

The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation recently established the position of Director of Early Literacy Initiatives to build upon a decade plus of work in the Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative. Educator Sheila Gould has been hired for the new position and has begun the process of community outreach as she develops the plan for the way forward to support reading proficiency. Sheila can be reached here.

 

According to Paul Belsito, Executive Director of The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, “Early education and early literacy have represented a priority investment of the Davis Foundation for a long time. The establishment of a Director of Early Literacy Initiatives and the hiring of Sheila Gould represents an important step to support those organizations and individuals engaged in improving early reading. We know from the data and through the success of Reading Success by 4th Grade that investments in early literacy will pay off for children, families and the community at large in the long run.”

 The Davis Foundation has long been recognized as a leader in the region around early literacy initiatives. RS4G began more than 10 years ago as an outgrowth of the Foundation-inspired Cherish Every Child initiative, with the original goal of improving third grade reading scores. 


 The RS4G initiative was recognized in 2012 and 2017 as an All-America City by the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR). Springfield was also named a Pacesetter community by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, 2019 and 2021 for exemplifying extraordinary vision and best practices in early school success.


The Davis Foundation has a continued commitment to enhance early literacy opportunities to all children in our community, beginning at birth, and to expand our reach in ways that are impactful and sustainable. 

Share by: