forWORDS
literacy initiative
forWORDS is a community-wide literacy initiative led by Achieve Brown County to help more children build the early foundation they need to read by third grade and thrive for a lifetime.
This is not a program.
It is a shared commitment.
moving literacy forWORD
Initiative in Action
forWORDS turns big goals into shared action.
Across Brown County, over 100 partners are working together to strengthen early literacy through aligned efforts, shared goals, and support for children and families in the moments and places that matter most.
Inspire to Act
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Dr. Suess
The Data
54.2%
Brown County students are
meeting reading benchmarks
by third grade.
According to the 2025 forward exam data, only 54.2% of Brown County third graders were considered to be “meeting” their reading benchmark.
1 in 3
employers report their average
employee lacks the literacy
skills needed to perform their
job effectively.
Research also shows that reading ability influences outcomes throughout life. Individuals with lower literacy levels are less likely to gain employment, particularly in skilled roles.
4x as likely
Students who do not read
proficiently by third grade
are four times more likely to
leave high school without
a diploma than proficient
readers.
Reading isn’t just a skill – it’s the
spark that fuels confidence, curiosity, and possibility for a lifetime.
Meet the Action Teams
making change happen
Built Literacy Environments
Kindergarten Readiness
Early Literacy Asset Map
Early Childhood Developmental Screeners
Early Literacy Convening Planning
