We are here to help!
ACHIEVING LITERACY FOR ALL BY AGE 8
Dedicated to achieving 100% literacy by 2035 for all California students 4 to 8 years old.
Mission x Vision
Our mission is to achieve 100% literacy by 2035 for all California students 4 to 8 years old.
Our vision is an equitable education for all children. We unite and catalyze California private and public stakeholders to direct resources to schools to achieve 100% literacy for all of California’s children before they reach the age of 8.
Informed by research in neuroscience and reading science, as well as by expertise in data analysis and software development, Breaking Barriers By Eight (BB•8) advises State policymakers and provides support for early screening, teacher training and integrated whole child-based approaches for all California schools and counties.
Guiding Beliefs+Values
Breaking Barriers By 8 believes:
LITERACY IS AN EQUITY ISSUE. The role of basic literacy education in the broader framework of the U.S. Constitution suggests that it is essential to the exercise of other fundamental human rights.
NEUROSCIENCE research of a developing brain should inform pedagogical methods because learning is both a cognitive and an emotional process.
STRUCTURED LITERACY training for teachers, TK through grade 3, will lead to improved reading and writing skills for all students.
WELL-BEING and PHYSICAL HEALTH are key influencers on a child’s ability to read and to write to their fullest capability.
UNIVERSAL SCREENING for language-based learning differences and psychometric data is key to achieving 100% literacy and should be free to all.
PRIVATE CORPORATIONS have a stake in supporting the development of[e2] a vital, more diverse workforce and a better quality of life for our communities.
RESEARCH and DATA-INFORMED decision-making are critical to effective education.
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS to assist teachers are part of the solution.
Our Team
Steve Carnevale
Founder & Chairman, UCSF Dyslexia Center +
Founder, Point Cypress Ventures President Emeritus Alliance
for Excellent Education
Elizabeth Estes
AALRR law firm (specializing in education) +
Commissioner to Governor’s Advisory + Commission on Special Education
Matthew Kropp
Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Sue Shalvey
Former National Director of Charter Schools for Aspire +
Former Member of California Task Force of Special Education
Kristen Wright
Exec. Director of Equity, Diversity, Early Intervention, and
Support Services for Sacramento County Office of Education + Former California State Director of Special Education
at the California Department of Education
Laura A. Jana, MD
Pediatrician, Author, Early Childhood & Early Literacy Advocate
Founder - Jana Ventures and Amazing Me Books
Adjunct Research Professor - Penn State University’s Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center
Patrick Brennan
VP of Government Affairs, Learning Ally +
Board member, Strategic Research Education Partnership (SERP)
Bob Wise
Former Governor and US Representative of West Virginia +
Former Chair of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Ron Powell
Former CEO of CA Association of Health and Wellness +
Former Administrator for Desert/Mountain SELPA and Childcare Center
Katrina Maestri
Board President, Chartwell School +
UCSF Dyslexia Advisory Board Member +
Marketing & New Business for GM Motors
Karen Rosenquist
Founder & Executive Director, North Bridge Academy &
Board Trustee Canal Alliance
Partners
