Memphis Lift helping bring literacy awareness to Memphis families

Parents’ movement the Memphis Lift is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Education to help raise awareness of the of the challenges students are facing learning to read and the resources that are available to Memphis families.The partnership is hosting a literacy event later this month to educate families on the importance of literacy and provide free At-Home Decodable books.“Parents know what’s best for their child and their family, and they want to be involved in their child’s education,” said Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director of The Memphis Lift. “I am grateful to the department for involving Memphis parents and providing resources so they can help their children become strong readers and have a chance at a successful future.”The Memphis Lift was founded in 2015 as a network of parents and community members dedicated to lifting children out of generational poverty and working to give each student a high-quality education in Memphis.The Memphis event is one of several Tennessee’s Department of Education is creating throughout March Literacy Month in a push to improve reading scores across the state and educate families about and Tennessee’s Reading 360 approach to improving literacy rates.“We all know parents are a child’s first teacher, and as a parent of three young children, I understand the importance of early literacy because it sets a child up for lifelong success," said Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “We are thrilled that so many community partners across the state are coming alongside us to host family engagement events and promoting the importance of reading to ensure all students are set up for the future.”