Special Screening of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars

Research in neuroscience and cognitive science shows that with effective instruction, up to 95 percent of students can learn to read. This screening of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading War and the discussion following the film highlight both the urgency of the literacy crisis and the hope offered by research-based solutions. The documentary follows filmmaker Harvey Hubbell V as he spends a year with a class of first graders learning to read. As the students prepare for a pivotal year-end assessment, the film explores the roots of America’s literacy challenges and examines why proven, research-based reading instruction remains out of reach for many classrooms.

A post-film panel will feature national and local leaders, educators and students, including Dr. Louisa Moats, Dr. Julie Burtscher Brown, Dr. Liz Cannon, Maze Laverty, Tesha Buss and Asa Dorfman, moderated by Lynne Howard. Panelists will explore why only one-third of U.S. students read proficiently by fourth grade and why many experts consider illiteracy one of the most solvable challenges facing the nation today.

Tickets are available by donation, (suggested $15–$25), With all proceeds supporting the regional literacy convening and educational scholarships at Billings Farm & Museum.

UVEI partners with school communities to engage, inspire and challenge educators, developing their ability to make classrooms and schools places where all people belong and thrive. www.uvei.org