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Ora
Rakestraw
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Ora
Rakestraw
91
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Sacramento
,
CA
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“Sometimes I ask myself why I do this, but it is because I know that kids want to learn really badly. These kids are our world of tomorrow and we have to show them the way. I worked in a cleaners 35 years, but helping kids is my calling. As long as I can do good, I will.”
Ora Rakestraw tutors third graders with special needs at Woodridge Elementary School in Sacramento. Even at age 91, she volunteers four days a week, five hours a day. Kids line up each morning at the "Grandma desk” for one-on-one tutoring and her one-of-a-kind fun approach to learning.
According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, approximately 40 percent of the nation’s third graders cannot read at a basic level. A lack of reading skills is the most common reason that students are identified as having a learning disability and a need for specialized services. Yet only 2.8 million school-age students receive special education services due to learning disabilities. That leaves millions of students who struggle to read but don’t receive any specialized services.
Children who fall behind in reading have an especially hard time catching up, and those placing below the 20th percentile are at the most risk of dropping out of school. Ora has an outstanding ability to diagnose reading difficulties and use strategies to help these children improve their reading fluency and comprehension. With her help, they have a chance to experience success and are more likely to continue in school and graduate.
With over 31 years experience as a volunteer, Ora has worked with every possible special needs situation, including children who have been abused and those in the criminal justice system. As a caring adult in their lives, she also helps to help keep them out of trouble. Many have become class and community leaders.
As a foster grandparent both in and out of school, Ora has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children, helping to improve their self-esteem, sense of responsibility and love of learning. Her commitment demonstrates to parents and teachers alike that the children she works with can succeed. That’s why Ora is a 2009 Woman of Worth.
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"Helping kids is my calling. As long as I can do good, I will."
Hear Ora discuss her work
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ORGANIZATION
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