A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by several groups within Regina to help put a focus on early childhood literacy.

The MOU, signed by representatives of both Regina Public and Catholic School Divisions, United Way, the Campaign for grade level reading network and Regina Police, aims to focus on each student`s ability to read at their grade level, particularly for the third grade.

Director of Eduction for Regina Public Greg Enion said studies show the development of oral language skills is important for a child`s ability to learn.

“Those oral language skills build those early literacy building blocks so that children are able to learn to read when they enter school.”

Regina is the second Canadian city to sign the grade level reading MOU.

Grade level reading network consultant Ron Fairchild said Calgary was the first Canadian city to join this campaign.

“They’ve done some great work in the areas of school readiness, improving school attendance, a focus on summer and after-school learning,” Fairchild said. “We’re really excited about having now Regina join Calgary and being able to learn from and with each other about what’s working (and) why it’s working.”

Fairchild said he’s excited for Regina to be involved in this program.

“The campaign is an effort that involves more than 300 communities across North America, and we’re excited that Regina is now part of this campaign, and really making it a priority to improve third grade reading proficiency rates here in Regina.”

According to United Way, a student who is not reading well by grade three is four times more likely to not graduate High School and six times more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system.