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Fort Worth highlights literacy partnerships, pilots dyslexia screenings at libraries and community centers
Summary
Library and parks staff described city partnerships with the Sid Richardson and Morris Foundations, Rotary volunteers and local nonprofits to expand early‑literacy programs, summer reading supports and a pilot dyslexia screening and advocacy program at libraries and community centers.
Fort Worth Public Library Director Midori Clark and Park and Recreation assistant director Monique Hill described coordinated literacy programs for infants through school age, summer reading partnerships that reached thousands of children and a new pilot to screen children for dyslexia and provide volunteer advocacy supports.
Partnerships and programs: Clark highlighted story times, the Thousand Books Before Kindergarten program (2,300 families in the past year), e‑card growth and summer reading data (Mayor Summers reading challenge logged over 4,000,000 minutes read in 2024). Hill described the city’s partnership with the REV Partnership (formerly REED Fort Worth) and literacy support specialists embedded in community‑center summer programs and after‑school activities.
Dyslexia screening pilot: City staff and Sid Richardson Foundation volunteers piloted the DIBELS (Dyslexia screener) screenings at libraries and community centers and reported two rounds with more than 22 families participating and 4 students identified at risk in a recent round. The program pairs families with volunteer advocates (Rotary members) who can help navigate school testing and services. Caroline James and other partners described the model as a way to provide early intervention and family advocacy.
Equity and language access: Councilmembers asked about language accessibility; staff confirmed screenings and materials are available in Spanish and partners plan outreach to diverse communities. Councilmembers encouraged broader publicity and partnership with school districts and healthcare partners for vision/screening coordination.
Ending: City celebrated partners and asked council to help promote the pilot as staff refines programing and seeks funding and volunteer advocates.
