Reading program impresses new superintendent

New Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Greg Thornton visited the summer reading program at Cass Street School recently. The summer reading program (as outlined by Ralph Hollmon in an ed/op in last week’s MCJ), is a pilot program started by an ad hoc committee of Black activists in response to the revelation that Milwaukee Black fourth graders have one of the lowest reading proficiency rates in the country. Five public, private and charter schools are participating in the six week summer reading project. Each classroom is staffed by a reading specialist, college education major and a high school student. Noted educator Dr. Patricia Ellis has taken a leave of absence from her duties at Cardinal Stritch University to coordinate the project. (Holt photo)