Miller & Martin Supports Literacy Initiative

January 07, 2014

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Attorneys from Miller & Martin visited with staff and children at the Carver Community Center to note the impact of  their donation to the Lexia Reading Program. Members from Chattanooga's oldest law firm provided funds and volunteers to support individualized learning that is both student-driven and teacher-directed.

Miller & Martin Chairman Jim Haley said, "Our firm decided to invest in areas that would make a lasting impact on our community. When we heard about the Lexia, Reading Program, we met with program administrators and determined this effort would be a perfect fit for the change we wanted to see in Chattanooga. Today, more than 350 children have completed 36,356 lesson units over the last six months. We would like to encourage other businesses to join us in supporting these efforts."

"Thank you to Miller & Martin for their support of Chattanooga's most important asset- our youth," said Mayor Andy Berke. "Developing strong reading skills can transform the lives of our young people. I hope other businesses will follow Miller & Martin's lead in investing in our city's future."

The program is administered through the city of Chattanooga's Department of Youth & Family Development. Students were placed through the Lexia Reading Program's Assessment to determine an appropriate starting level with each student's reading ability. Youth and Family Development staff noted the key factor of continuing success is to provide incentives to assist students to use the program on a daily basis.

"This program provides data-driven action plans that allow us to focus on the greatest needs of our students," said Youth and Family Development Administrator Lurone Jennings. "In turn, our staff knows the intensity needed to assist students in reaching their year-end goals. Through incentives we can ensure students use the program consistently, encouraging even higher levels of success."