How a Community Tutoring Program Is Reducing Literacy Gaps in Southeast San Diego

August 5, 2025

The Encanto Village Tutoring Program in Southeast San Diego is working to address a severe literacy crisis in an area where 92% of students are economically disadvantaged and only 39% read at grade level. Started by Pastor Robert Pope of Encanto Southern Baptist Church and community volunteers, the program provides personalized reading instruction to struggling students at Encanto Elementary School using evidence-based literacy approaches. Now in its fourth year, the initiative has successfully improved reading levels and student confidence by focusing on individual needs that often go unaddressed in classrooms with limited resources.

Who is affected

Economically disadvantaged students in Southeast San Diego (92% of students in the area)
Students reading below grade level (only 39% read at grade level in the area)
Immigrant children with limited English proficiency
Students at Encanto Elementary School, particularly the lowest-performing readers
Communities south of Interstate 8 in San Diego with significantly lower literacy rates (25% in Southeastern San Diego, 36% in Encanto)
Black students (only 17% of Black fourth graders nationwide score proficient in reading)

What action is being taken

Encanto Village Tutoring Program is providing personalized reading instruction to struggling students
Volunteers are working directly with Encanto Elementary School to identify and support the lowest-performing students
The tutoring team is implementing the Science of Reading methodology, focusing on phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, decoding, and comprehension
Tutors are building relationships with students to increase trust and reduce barriers to learning
Program leaders are actively seeking additional volunteers and funding to expand their capacity

Why it matters

National literacy rates are declining, with only 30% of all fourth graders nationwide scoring proficient in reading
San Diego has a significant literacy divide between affluent northern neighborhoods (over 80% meet reading standards) and southern communities (as low as 25%)
Schools like Encanto Elementary have limited resources to provide individualized attention to struggling students
Post-pandemic educational disparities have widened, particularly affecting underserved communities
The program demonstrates that community members can effectively supplement formal education systems
Improved reading skills and confidence help students succeed academically and beyond

What's next

The program is seeking more volunteers and funding to provide tutors with stipends
They are preparing for the upcoming school season to continue and potentially expand their efforts
Community members interested in helping can contact Sandra Hall (hallsan@yahoo.com) or Delia Price (dlmorr1@aol.com)

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint