The 3 6 9 Leaders Table is a collaborative catalyst group that is working to advance the Enough for All strategy. The group started meeting in 2021. They have explored conversations around literacy through a webinar series and are working together in a variety of ways to advance policy and advocacy for early learning and literacy. They are creating urgency around the importance of investing in and understanding early learning and literacy in Calgary and Alberta and currently have an action plan and strategy underway to build momentum around a creative campaign to engage our community in a conversation about literacy.

With strong and creative messaging, the 3 6 9 Leaders Table hopes to engage all people to care about early learning and literacy. It’s something that affects the future of Alberta, and it requires attention.  

Literacy is one factor that has a huge impact on a person’s ability to navigate life, find employment, secure housing, and access services. Literacy is critical to a sustainable future, and we need everyone to care. That means we need youth, parents, grandparents, business leaders, government officials, and everyone in our communities to spread the word about leaving no child at a loss for words.

This paper outlines outlines the available data on literacy in Alberta and an action plan to address key issues.

Calgary GLR Community Solutions Action Plan.pdf

Community Solutions Action Plan: Calgary Grade-Level Reading Coalition

The ability to read well is critically linked with success in life. Strong reading skills can lead to higher earnings, education, and social capital. In essence, the ability to read well is a building block for self-sufficiency and full engagement in family and community life in adulthood. And yet, almost half of Canadians can’t read well enough to fully participate in society and in the workforce.

Even in Calgary, one of the most economically and socially thriving cities in the country, literacy levels are low.

Ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed in life by mastering critical reading skills by grade 3 will require the collaboration of individuals, communities, educators, the private sector, and government. Only by working together can we possibly improve third grade reading achievement.

Much of the data specific to Calgary that are required to start a local Campaign chapter and to measure progress on indicators specific to the challenges identified by Calgary Reads are not currently or consistently collected and shared by school boards or governments. This paper attempts to make do with some provincial and national information that confirms and clarifies the parameters of the literacy challenges faced by young children.

Early Warning Calgary.pdf

Early Warning! Calgary - The case for a Calgary chapter of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading

3 6 9 Leaders Table

About

Why 3 6 9?

Watch for a Literacy Campaign in Spring 2023!

History

The collaborative's members

Further Reading

Resources by this contributor

Community Solutions Action Plan: Calgary Grade-Level Reading Coalition

Early Warning! Calgary - The case for a Calgary chapter of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading