Rise Up, Read More

  •  

    Students Reading

    "Reading is the gateway skill, it is the new civil right. Because children cannot access their other rights unless they can read well and strategically. In fact, good readers support our democracy, because it allows readers to interact with texts and make decisions that affect their lives. It is truly the most important thing that we do."  
    –Phyllis C. Hunter

    Reading is a civil right, and it is a foundation for success in life.  

    It is a part of our responsibility as educators to set the conditions for students to thoroughly enjoy the reading experience and understand its value and purpose in life. According to the District’s priorities identified in our Strategic Plan, outstanding achievement is at the top of the list. Building a culture of literacy in our schools, community and district that develops avid readers will dramatically increase students’ academic achievement and equip them with the tools necessary to pursue successful, prosperous lives. 

    Rise Up, Read More is designed to get students to read more. The research on reading is clear: reading more is scientifically proven to improve a readers' reading comprehension, verbal fluency, and general knowledge.  Additionally, individuals who read communicate better, are more knowledgeable, more successful, and earn more than those who do not.

     

    How does the District support independent reading?

    • Through opportunities for accountable independent reading provided within our daily core curriculum programs 
    • Through our district-wide independent reading challenge during the school year called the “Rise Up, Read More” 
    • Through a variety of partnership programs with local and national partners
    • Through Semester Reading Celebrations and school-based community events
    • Through partnering with the community in our Let’s Read Community Reading Program
  • Rise Up, Read More! A District Wide Competition for All Students, K-12, to Practice and Enjoy Reading! 

    The Department of Literacy remains dedicated to enhancing core literacy instruction and providing targeted support for struggling readers. While we recognize the importance of measurable literacy performance through state assessments, our mission goes beyond numbers. We strive to ignite a passion for reading in every student, as reading is a gateway to new experiences, personal growth, and civic engagement. By encouraging accountable independent reading outside of coursework, we help students discover their potential. Last year, our students showcased their love of reading by logging thousands of minutes in the Rise Up, Read More Challenge. This year we are excited to partner again with the Detroit Public Library to achieve a record number of independent reading hours, both in school and at home.
    Let's #Roar into Reading!

    Round 1 – Roar Into Reading!

    We are partnering again with the Detroit Public Library to log a record number of accountable independent reading hours both in school and at home!

    When: Challenge #1 runs now through January 10, 2025.

    Who: All kindergarten–12th grade DPSCD students

    What: Classes and individual students are challenged to read at least 15 minutes per day individually and to log their reading using the Detroit Public Library Beanstack Reading Application. The theme for the third-round challenge is #readwhatyoulike. During this challenge, students are encouraged to read books related to their interests.

    How: Students in grades K–5 are registered as a class by their homeroom teacher. Directions for teachers to register K–5 students can be found here and below. K–5 students' reading will be logged by homeroom teachers. Students in grades 6–12 will register themselves for a challenge during their ELA Class. Directions for 6th–12th grade students to register can be found here and below.

    Prizes:

    • Classrooms with the highest percentage of logged reading minutes based on enrollment will receive a prize.
    • The three students in grades 6–8 with the most minutes logged per challenge will receive a prize.
    • The three students in grades 9–12 with the most minutes logged per challenge will receive a prize.

    Choice Board: Students are able to win badges for reading books on the subjects listed below! This info is listed on Beanstack as well.

    Read a book about a character who demonstrates unshakable confidence in the face of a challenge.

    Read a book about an author’s travels. 

    Read a book about a character who perseveres through a tough circumstance to achieve a goal

    Read a book about bravery and standing up for what the character believes in.

    Read a book with characters who openly showed emotions and learned how to navigate them.

    Read a book about a character who exhibits grit, refusing to give up despite multiple failures

    Read a book about working collaboratively with others to solve a problem or achieve a common goal

    Read a book about the importance of forgiveness.

    Read a book about a character whose determination inspires others

    Read a book about a character who stands up for a friend, displaying their loyalty.

    Read a book about a character who confidently embraces their unique identity

    Read a book about a character who learns how to embrace their imperfections and realizes that mistakes are a part of learning and growing.

    Read a book based on animal characters that has been turned into a movie.

     

    Read a book where the main character faces peer pressure and learns to stay true to themselves, showing the importance of self-identity.

    Read a book to explore your cultural identity, to learn to appreciate heritage and self-acceptance.

    Please contact Emily Pettey, Program Supervisor in the Department of Literacy for more information on Rise Up, Read More!

  • Get Started Today

    1. Sign up students using the directions for your grade level: 
      K–5 Grade (for classroom teachers ONLY)
      6–12 Grade

    2. Start logging reading minutes. Minutes can be logged while reading or after.
       
      For K–5: Teachers log minutes after registering classes using the same link used to register students. Minutes are logged for the whole class, not for individual students.

      For 6–12: Students register themselves for the challenge during ELA class using the same link. Students log their reading minutes daily.

    3. Watch a book talk. We had several book talks submitted for the first round in addition to book talks that our friends at DPL produced. 
      Watch the playlist below and get inspired!



    4. ​​​​​​​Students or classes create their own book talk videos and #RiseUpReadMore! 
      Students harness their creativity to record a book talk on their laptop or phone and send it to emily.pettey@detroitk12.org by January 10, 2025. The best videos will receive prizes and be shared on the Rise Up, Read More page! 

      ​​​​
Lion reading a book