These parents want improved reading rates. Fort Worth mayor promises to help

Reading proficiency rates in local schools was front and center during a public forum with Mayor Mattie Parker hosted by Parent Shield, a grassroots movement of parents, guardians, caretakers, and community members that strongly believe every child in Fort Worth should receive a high quality education. Six in 10 students who live in Fort Worth did not meet grade level on the state reading test in 2022, according to data from Parent Shield.   

“I just started crying because I had A-B honor roll certificates for my baby that couldn’t read,” parent Melany Watson said, as her voice cracked with emotion. “How is my child on the A-B honor roll when she can’t read?”