From the Chair, by Mark Slavkin

Thanks to your involvement and support, KOREH L.A. has evolved from just an idea to a well-established and well-regarded initiative to improve early literacy in Los Angeles. This is a source of great pride for all of us involved with The Jewish Federation. While this is great news, it also presents certain challenges.

When an effort is new and in its “pilot stage,” the program faces less pressure to deliver results right out of the gate. Indeed, some outside observers may wish to withhold any judgment at all, since most efforts only last a short time. But once an organization is well established, like KOREH L.A., the bar is raised in terms of the expectations the community has for our work. So, as we look to the future, it is important that we focus our efforts on specific outcomes and demonstrate measurable success in achieving these outcomes.

It seems to me our outcomes fall in four main categories: student reading performance, student attitudes toward schooling, community engagement as volunteers, and visibility for the Federation’s commitment to the urban agenda in Los Angeles.

Improving student reading performance is the core of our mission. Simply put, we expect the students to demonstrate improved literacy skills as a result of their work with their KOREH L.A. mentor. We are looking to implement assessment tools that are user-friendly for the teacher, mentor, and student to measure pre and post skills. To be clear, we do not want to overshadow the importance of the mentor-student relationship as trusted friends. But we need to show results at the end of the day. Such data can also help us modify the training and support provided for volunteers to make sure everyone has the tools they need to be successful.

When young kids lack basic reading skills, they become aware of their status in class relative to the students around them. This can lead to a loss in self-confidence and a lack of interest in school. KOREH L.A. is a vital tool to show kids someone cares about them and there is a reason to come to school. The confidence each student gains in reading can then transfer into benefits for their participation in all aspects of school.

One of KOREH L.A.’s greatest achievements has been the mobilization of a diverse cadre of volunteers from across the community. From middle school students to senior citizens, KOREH L.A. has provided a very tangible opportunity to advance social justice. For all the challenges, KOREH L.A. volunteers are proud to give something back and gain meaning and satisfaction from this work. Our volunteers are also more aware of the issues and challenges facing our public schools. This is essential for the future of public education in Los Angeles.

Finally, KOREH L.A. is very visible demonstration of the Federation’s service to the broader Los Angeles community. Every pre-school and elementary school community we serve has a strengthened awareness of the Jewish community’s commitment to helping those in need. The students we touch learn that someone outside their family and outside their neighborhood also cares about their future. Each time we donate brand new library books to restock a public school library, we leave behind a powerful symbol of our belief in the power of books.

Some of these outcomes are easier to measure than others. Some people may even question why we must measure results when we know we are doing such good. But noble causes and accountability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, those organizations that do the best job documenting measurable results are those that can last long enough to truly heal the world.