'I want all kids reading by the 3rd grade,' McGinn says

SEATTLE - Mayor Mike McGinn wants all kids to be able to read by the third grade, and he's hoping the "Read and Rise" literacy program will help get us there.

Mayor Mike McGinn announced the two-year pilot program Thursday. The program will offer training workshops designed to help parents support their kids as they learn to read. The program will also provide reading materials and training curricula for parents to take home.

"We know from research that students who are not reading at grade level by the third grade are much more likely to drop out of school," McGinn said. "This new program will help give parents the skills they need to support their kids as they reach this critical milestone."

Read and Rise workshops will be conducted in partnership with schools and community-based organizations. The program will begin in the fall of the 2013 school year.

The program is based on a successful model from Houston, which has seen positive results after implementing the program, McGinn said.