We’re excited to share some great news from the 2024–25 student program year. WITS students made amazing progress in reading and built strong, positive connections with their mentors. Here’s a … Read More
WITS programs double the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) average of reading proficiency
As CPS faces an almost $1 billion budget deficit, WITS continues to be the only in-school reading mentorship program that is free for CPS schools and families. WITS was founded … Read More
Finding Belonging in Books: The Importance of Literacy
After college, I taught 9th-grade English for 4 years at a charter school in New York City. My lifetime love of learning and desire to instill that love in other … Read More
Specialized Reading Interests and Academic Success
WITS believes that literacy is the foundation on which all other learning develops. One of the tenets of our mission is to empower Chicago elementary students to discover themselves through … Read More
The Hidden Cost of Illiteracy: How Low Reading Levels Impact the Economy and Society
In today’s fast-paced world, information is simplified, formats are geared towards quick consumption and click-bait headlines, and the ability to read, compare, and comprehend complex texts has become more vital … Read More
Tena Latona Speaks on the WITS Mission, The Why, & Future Goals at the 2024 Blackboard Affair
Tena Latona took the stage at the 2024 WITS Blackboard Affair earlier this month to address the WITS mission and vision for the future. Read the full speech from the … Read More
WGN Spotlight Chicago: WITS & 4th grade student, Kylie
This past Monday, WITS was invited to appear on WGN Spotlight Chicago to talk about empowering CPS students to find themselves through reading. WITS CEO Tena Latona was joined by … Read More
Marzano Research: What’s Next For WITS
Last month, WITS wrapped up an intensive 12-month engagement with Marzano Research, a leading external evaluator in the field of education. This first-of-its-kind partnership for WITS focused on an exploratory … Read More
CPS Strategic Plan & WITS Mission: How They Align
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently unveiled its five-year strategic plan, Together We Rise. Over the past year, members of the WITS staff provided input through surveys, town halls, and focus … Read More
Welcoming Migrant Students Into WITS Programs
WITS centers our work around the core value of building community. Every WITS program is its own special community, a place where all students are welcome and mentors and students … Read More
