Readiness To Learn (RTL) is a program for some of Washington State’s most vulnerable children at risk for academic failure.

Based in high need schools, RTL serves students with complex barriers to learning. Students in RTL demonstrate high rates of emotional and behavioral distress and often face problems of homelessness, family violence, and poverty. These problems create persistent barriers to educational success.

RTL reduces non-academic barriers to learning ensuring that all children are able and prepared to learn.

Funded by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the RTL program provides family support through Family Resource Advocates, develops Natural Leaders and mobilizes and coordinates community resources to improve needed support for students and families.

RTL is a state program with a shared philosophy delivered through 28 local community consortia. Based in the schools, RTL staff work with teachers and leadership to identify children and families in need. Through these local programs, RTL uses collaborative models to strengthen local community capacity through partnerships between schools and communities.

For every $1 provided by OSPI, the RTL school districts and community partners have obtained another $2.2 to support RTL activities. RTL sites have had 5,181 of volunteer hours to help support the project during the 2010-11 school year.

For more information on the Readiness to Learn Program, contact info@wabsalliance.org.