A Mentor's Mission to Bridge Literacy and Opportunity
How do we empower elementary students to become the storytellers of their own success? At Entitled Learning, we believe it begins with a strong foundation in literacy. We're planting seeds of character, resilience, and academic growth through a curriculum that prioritizes reading, writing, and critical thinking, while connecting them directly with industry mentors and career readiness opportunities. These mentors' journeys prove that literacy is not just a skill, but a powerful tool for unlocking their potential. We're nurturing the next generation of literate leaders, right from the start, ensuring they have the literacy skills to shape their own narratives.
Informational Texts That Connect Reading to Professional Pathways.
The Urgency of Literacy in Career Readiness
Missouri's literacy rates have experienced a significant decline, as evidenced by an NPR Kansas City report. According to the report, only 27% of fourth-grade students and 26% of eighth-grade students scored proficient or above in reading, indicating mastery of essential reading skills. This represents a drop from over 33% in 2019 (Armhad & Fortino, 2025). In an interview with NPR Kansas City, Jeremy Ellis, Missouri’s NAEP State Coordinator, emphasized that the pandemic's disruption of early literacy development could lead to a longer recovery period compared to other subjects, such as math
In the heart of Kansas City, Entitled Learning is redefining how elementary students approach reading. Our curriculum isn't just about decoding words; it's about decoding the pathways to future careers. We're building a foundation of literacy through informational texts that connect directly to the professional world. Scholars delve into essential reading strategies—comparing and contrasting, identifying main ideas, and understanding cause and effect—skills that aren't just for tests, but for thriving in any industry.
The P.I.L.L.A.R. Movement
Professionals Inspiring Literacy, Leadership, and Reading
By aligning with the P.I.L.L.A.R. Movement, Entitled Learning provides scholars with access to impactful narratives, proving that literacy is a vital foundation for leadership and professional advancement within their own community.
Real-World Stories: Shows how literacy leads to achievements.
Scholar Access: Provides role models and practical examples.
Skill Building: Fosters learning, confidence, and critical thinking.
Career Readiness: Bridges theory and real-world application.
Literacy = Empowerment: Reinforces literacy's vital role
P.I.L.L.A.R. bridges the gap between classrooms and careers by showcasing professionals who credit their leadership and advancement to a lifelong commitment to reading and learning.
Building Career-Ready Futures Through Literacy
Robert Thompson guides scholars through an electrician-themed reading activity, connecting literacy to real-world careers.
Robert Thompson's story isn't just a collection of memories; it's a powerful testament to the enduring importance of literacy, and why he's a vital part of Entitled Learning's PILLAR Movement (Professionals Inspiring Literacy, Leadership, and Reading). His journey, spanning decades of military service and a long career with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, underscores how reading comprehension shapes not just individual success, but the very fabric of our community.
Why Robert Thompson? Because he embodies the core principles of PILLAR. He's a professional who understands that literacy transcends the classroom. His experiences prove that strong reading skills are the bedrock of effective leadership, sound decision-making, and even personal safety.
The Crucial Role of Literacy in High-Stakes Environments
Thompson's military service demanded precision and unwavering attention to detail. "We didn't rely on casual conversations for mission directives," he explains. "Everything was written down. Sling load operations, for instance, involved complex written instructions for safely delivering supplies by helicopter. One missed detail could have dire consequences." He also highlights the importance of map reading, a skill vital for navigation and mission success in a pre-GPS era. "Those maps required careful interpretation," he says. "They were our ‘Google Maps’, and literacy was the key to understanding them."
Literacy as a Cornerstone of Leadership and Community Service
Transitioning to a career with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Thompson continued to witness the practical application of literacy. "Leadership isn't just about giving orders," he emphasizes. "It's about understanding and communicating information effectively." He recalls the importance of interpreting written routes for snow removal crews, a task that demanded clear comprehension and the ability to convey information accurately. "If the crews couldn't read the routes, they couldn't serve the community," he states.
Robert Thompson: A Living Example of PILLAR's Impact
Robert Thompson's story resonates with Entitled Learning's mission because it provides real-world evidence of literacy's transformative power. He exemplifies the importance of reading not just in academic settings, but in every facet of life. His experiences highlight that strong literacy skills are essential for both individual achievement and the well-being of our community. By sharing his story, we aim to inspire the next generation to recognize the value of literacy and to embrace it as a tool for empowerment and leadership, just as Robert Thompson has done throughout his distinguished career.
Source
Armhad, M., & Fortino, S. (2025, January 31). Missouri students' reading scores decline, but math scores hold signs of hope. NPR Kansas City. https://www.npr.org/kansas-city/
