Charleston Currents – Patty Bennett-Uffelman

BRACK: Early books are first step to education reform success

By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | If you want real education reform, give a free book a month to every child under five in South Carolina.

It’s a common-sense, quick, practical, affordable and proven investment that can make more of a difference than most of the fiddle-faddle in thick policy papers. It’s low-hanging fruit. And it’s easily achievable because there’s a delivery network already in place. It’s something Gov. Henry McMaster and legislators like GOP House Speaker Jay Lucas and Democratic Sen. Vincent Sheheen should embrace now.

by Andy Brack · 01/28/2019 · 1 comment · Andy Brack, Views

FOCUS: A nourishing rain of books for Charleston County

By Patty Bennett-Uffelman | A recent article about urban “book deserts” in the New York Daily News highlighted a universal challenge for low-income families with young children: limited access to books.

The article focused on urban areas where concentrations of poverty and changes in technology have led to the closure of book stores, but in Charleston, some of our driest book deserts are rural areas, where families may live miles and miles from the closest book store or library.

According to authors Naomi Moland and Susan Neuman, “Book deserts are particularly detrimental for young children. Babies and toddlers (who do not yet have access to books in schools) need to be surrounded by books to develop preliteracy skills. …

by Charleston Currents · 01/09/2017 · Comments are Disabled · Focus, Good news

7.27: Book challenge, Haley and legislature, Palmetto Poem

This week’s issue has great information on how Begin With Books is seeking a big challenge grant; how Gov. Nikki Hally is squabbling with legislators in her own party; a Palmetto Poem by Zoe Abedon; and more good news.

by Charleston Currents · 05/11/2015 · Comments are Disabled · Full issue