K-12 education in the U.S. is truly in a state of crisis. Globally, among the 38 countries in the OECD, the US ranks 13th in reading, 18th in science, and an egregious 37th in math. Michigan is in the bottom 14% of all states, ranked 44th. This is not acceptable.

To improve our ranking, there are several new programs now underway, indicating a developing commitment is taking hold here. LETRS Training (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling), has just been completed by the first cohort of 5,000 Michigan teachers, 200 from Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS). The AARI (Advanced Accelerated Reading Initiative) is another such program, now in place in AAPS in all literacy intervention programs.

Fortunately, AAPS is doing better in these rankings than state averages and other districts within Washtenaw County. Roughly 60% of our elementary students test at of above established proficiency levels*. Of course, this means 40% of the students, K-5, are not proficient on these state assessments. Again, this is not acceptable.

AAPS is working to address this proficiency gap in several ways, including a complete transformation of the K-5 Literacy Program. Another program, Add+vantage Math Professional Learning, is now in place, with 275 teachers already training. Will this be enough? It is here where we, as Rotarians, can help and give a number of these kids the edge they need to improve. It’s about Helping Kids Succeed.

As volunteers and tutors in the Ann Arbor schools, what value do Rotarians provide? In talking with school administrators, teachers, and from our observations the greatest benefits we provide these kids come from social interaction, role modeling, and positive adult support. These are things that each of us are already good at, and well-positioned to use as we help these kids improve. This is what’s truly exceptional and important about Rotarians and other volunteers in our classrooms.

Now is the time to seriously consider this opportunity and get personally involved in helping to address this situation. General applications for Winter Quarter tutors and volunteers are being accepted now through the end of January. Please contact Jim Egerdal or Leo Shedden for more information or assistance. Alternatively, one may proceed directly. The process is straightforward; go to a2schools.org/volunteer to complete an application, and open an account in the AAPS Volunteer system, MyImpact. There is an orientation video, with a brief quiz to measure comprehension. Then AAPS processes one’s application and alerts you to begin your service. Opportunities are listed on line, or help in finding the best fit for you is available

Nancy Shore, the AAPS Director of Community Engagement, has made an additional special request for volunteers from Ann Arbor Rotary. As a part of the transformation of the K-5 Literacy Program, a new Literacy ABC Boot Camp is now being introduced at Burns Park School. This camp serves new kindergarten students, helping them with letters and sounds, and simple word building. Volunteers are needed for 1 to 3 one-hour afternoon shifts per week, for a minimum three-month commitment. With a camp full of kindergarteners, this will be fun! Sign up to volunteer in the boot camp as per the instructions above.

PS: “Friends of Rotarians” are included in the volunteers we have working with AAPS. If you are aware of someone that may be interested, please tell them about this and encourage them to participate.

* AAPS Fall 2025 Student Achievement Annual Report, available here.