Five cities and two states have completed Community Solutions Action Plans and joined the Grade-Level Reading Communities Network.

The newest members of the Network include statewide campaigns in Hawaii and Idaho, as well as initiatives in Sarasota, Fla.; Waukegan, Ill.; Portland, Maine; Memphis, Tenn.; and Tacoma, Wash. Several other communities have submitted letters of intent and are working on their plans for addressing grade-level reading. The Campaign expects to announce a new group of Network communities in July.

“Schools have an essential responsibility to help all children succeed, but they cannot do this alone,” said Ralph Smith, managing director of the GLR Campaign and senior vice president of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “Addressing barriers and putting young children on the path to success will take mobilized communities, in which service organizations, civic leaders and engaged citizens work in concert with families and schools. We are excited to add these states and communities to our Network of those who are taking action to help more children become proficient readers, prepared to succeed academically and in life.”