ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Clianda Florence loves a good story. It’s part of the reason she started her podcast “Let’s Get Lit.” She invites guests on to share how they fell in love with reading.

For decades, Florence worked as a teacher in the Rochester City School District. It was there she developed a passion for literacy. 

“Literacy is a gateway for freedom. If you aren’t able to read, write or articulate yourself, what are you going able to do?” said Florence. 

Data from RCSD indicates that only 8% of students in grades K-8 are reading at grade level. Fifty-two percent of fourth-grade students are three or more grade levels behind, double the rate of similar urban districts across the nation.

“When you have the right tools given to students and families, I believe we’ll have a better Rochester,” said Florence. 

Florence hopes her podcast becomes one of those tools for families. But she can’t do it alone. 

“It takes a lot of caring; a lot of structure and we have to together move the needle and have high expectations but also have the love to push them,” said Florence. 

Sharing the stories of the community is one step. Another is changing the narrative around reading. 

“Often reading is used as a punishment,” said Florence. “As opposed to let’s come together as a family and read this book.”

As the latest episode of Let’s Get Lit wraps up, Florence says it’s not too late to change the story around literacy in Rochester. 

“It’s a big lift but I don’t think it’s impossible,” said Florence. 

Starting this spring, Florence plans to start an after school reading program open to students and their parents.