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AARP volunteers expand third‑grade reading tutoring across Pinal County; Casa Grande hosts majority of sites
Summary
An AARP volunteer tutoring program told the council it now reaches nine Pinal County school districts; staff requested continued city funding and volunteer recruitment. The program reports rising tutor and student counts and documented reading gains.
Volunteers with an AARP reading program told the Casa Grande City Council on Wednesday that their third‑grade tutoring effort has expanded to nine Pinal County school districts and is nearing a target of 100 volunteer tutors working with about 300 students.
Jerry, an AARP volunteer coordinator, told the council the program provides one‑to‑one tutoring for students in early grades and that over the past four years the program reached “almost 700 students.” He said volunteers are typically age 45 and older and that the program combines in‑person and online tutoring.
Why it matters: Research cited by the presenter underscores the city’s focus on early literacy as a determinant of long‑term educational outcomes; the presenter said students who cannot read at grade level by the end of third grade face greater risks of school dropout.
Program scope and results: The presenter said the program is in nine school districts from Superior to Stanfield, with roughly one quarter of participating students and one third of partner schools located in the Casa Grande Elementary School District. Data shared with the council showed 95 tutors serving 297 students in the current school year (including summer participants), and a recent year when 83% of participating students advanced at least one grade level in reading while 38% advanced two or more grade levels. The organizer asked the council to continue municipal funding for the program and to help recruit volunteers, including those who can tutor remotely.
Council response: Councilmembers praised the program’s expansion and outcomes. The city manager and staff said the city provides administrative support and funding and will continue to coordinate with the program. No budget action was taken at the meeting; the presenter said funding appears on the city’s upcoming budget materials.
Next steps: The program’s coordinator asked councilmembers to refer potential volunteers and to continue city financial support; staff confirmed the program will be included in upcoming budget materials.
