Student Success Stories From Parents

Riley Wood's Story by Carrie Wood

Reading Recovery has changed my son’s life. I am a single parent and we had to move abruptly in the middle of his kindergarten school year. Upon entering first grade, he was having a very difficult time. He struggled daily in class. He had trouble staying focused and understanding. He was insecure and hadn't made very many friends. I was contacted by the school for authorization to enter Riley into the Reading Recovery program.

I was very happy he had this opportunity. As much as I wish I were able to help Riley with his reading, I couldn't. I didn't have the patience or the skills to teach him to read, never mind enough hours in the day to get everything else done. He is a completely different child after completing the program. He is an excellent reader now. He is confident. He has made so many friends. He is a much happier and secure person. I am thrilled at what this program has done for my son. It has given him what I could not. I am very thankful to his Reading Recovery teacher, Debbie Clemence, who made this all possible for Riley.

Reading Recovery has served over 1.7 million students in the U.S. over the past 20 years and can bring reading success to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. In many cases, it prevents the need for a special education referral and reduces the achievement gap. Reading Recovery should be available to every first grader who struggles to learn to read! It gives our children the tools they deserve to be successful, confident, and happy.