Did the pandemic permanently set back a generation academically?

It’s no doubt that the educational system experienced setbacks when COVID-19 shut down academic facilities. There are many studies that point to a decrease in mathematical comprehension and reading skills, particularly in grade school students. Looking at the numbers, an analysis of the impact of the pandemic on student learning was done by the Education Recovery Scorecard, a collaborative effort among researchers from Harvard, Stanford, John Hopkins, Dartmouth and the testing company, that predicted students would be behind “one-half year in math and one-third of a year in reading,” by 2022 (Ryan Doan-Nguyen). Now, it’s past 2022, and the good news is that students across the United States have been making a stronger recovery than predicted, however the pandemic worsened pre-existing inequality between socioeconomic classes, and full academic recovery is still not complete. Analysis from 2024 still shows that recovery in math and reading is below what it should be proving that test scores and academic aid are needed more than ever, especially for low-income students, (Erica Meltzer, National Editor). Grade school students are supposed to be exhibiting an exponential rate of cognitive development where problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making are in their prime progression. It has been a challenge in San José to help students achieve grade-level standards. The solution to which many of these researchers and organizations believe will combat these challenges is to incorporate additional resources, programs, and tutors that are accessible to all students no matter their socioeconomic status. 

That’s when SJ Learns comes into the equation! SJ Learns is a city funded program at the San José Public Library Foundation that focuses on funding academic achievement. At the end of 2022, funding from the American Rescue Plan made it possible to provide communities with a new grant opportunity under the SJ Learns initiative called Tutoring Matters. Specifically targeting 4th-12th graders, Tutoring Matters offers access to resources and high-quality tutoring services from the Bay Area Tutoring Association (BATA). Tutoring Matters’ mission is to supplement what students learn in school and provide one-on-one or small group tutoring to guide and help each student, while fostering academic success. Students are taught by well-trained, culturally competent, trauma-informed staff who are experienced in working with high–need students. Tutoring Matters partners with community-based organizations and local education agencies that serve children who are English learners, homeless or foster youth, and other unprivileged demographics who are in neighborhoods that experience achievement gaps throughout the San José area. One teacher stated, “I’ve seen remarkable progress in my students who participated in Tutoring Matters. It’s truly making a difference in their academic journey.”  With the drive for excellence and equality, the Tutoring Matters program provided over 1,200 hours of quality tutoring in 2023, truly empowering every student to excel inside and outside of the classroom. BATA tutors conduct assessments to identify learning gaps for every participant of the program, so that each student is met with a curriculum that caters to their learning preferences and needs. This program focuses on teaching concepts about the operation and function of numbers, fractions, algebraic expression, measurement units, data representation, and geometric concepts.

The success of these initiatives is measured through evaluations derived from data collection, student achievement, and parents’ satisfaction. Acknowledging that each student has varying learning paces and preferences, Tutoring Matters provides an accessible and flexible learning environment allowing students to address their individual academic challenges with interactive learning experiences to reveal the real-life applicability of mathematics, as well as create a sense of competence and growth mindset for students that struggle with new and difficult concepts. Hands-on activities and other opportunities are supported with technology driven resources, so that students can focus on the learning, applicability, and creativity that math requires. The goal is to engage and educate schools initiatives, family units, and struggling students through this program while building confidence which can translate into other challenging circumstances that they may find themselves in.  

Tutoring Matters has added far more to its participants than just a higher test score, and students are experiencing and understanding math beyond just the numbers. With the noticeable trend in the lack of academic engagement and confidence that grade school students have demonstrated since the events of 2020, Tutoring Matters proves to be a strong force in the education system. By embracing the importance of additional academic aid and empowering students to cultivate a healthy relationship with conquering challenges and trusting in their abilities, Tutoring Matters is helping students catch up to where they need to be academically. Each student feels more involved and connected to what they are learning than they would in a regular classroom setting. This program has resulted in enhanced test performance, high academic achievement, and positive feedback from student reports. 100% of students felt supported by their BATA tutors and 93% agreed that the sessions created an engaging and stimulating learning environment. Tutoring Matters moves with ambition to continue the SJ Learns initiative for the future of each student and the San José area, so that full potential is being reached on an individual level and community perspective

 So, has the academic performance of grade school students recovered since 2020?

The answer is no; however, our nation is making better progress than projected because of programs like Tutoring Matters and SJ Learns. Students who were falling behind in school are now saying, “I thought math was boring before, but the tutoring sessions were actually fun! My tutor had all these cool activities and games that made learning math way more interesting.” This testifies to the actualization of Tutoring Matters’ mission to encourage and reveal the creative and applicable side of math in a way that boosts student’s academic motivation and confidence. If you are a community-based organization that is a part of a local education program based in the San Francisco Bay Area, consider applying for a one-year grant provided through SJ Learns to push towards eliminating learning gaps that students are still experiencing.  Learn more about qualifications and share this page with a family or student who could benefit from this resource. No matter the academic needs, everyone matters to Tutoring Matters. 

Estate planning is designed to give individuals security and control of their finances and the transferring of their finances while informing the community of the different methods and costs that each decision entails. An estate includes anything you own, such as automobiles, real estate, investment, and personal possessions. It is important to have an estate plan in place because it will give you the ability to decide how your belongings will be distributed ahead of time when unexpected circumstances occur. SJPLF moves proactively within the City of San José through the twenty-five San José Public Library locations to bring philanthropic power to their communities, which includes ensuring that community members are given proper resources and knowledge to create an estate plan that protects their possessions and their loved ones.  

What most people might not realize is that without an estate plan, the state has the power to assign someone to handle your business if you are suddenly incapable of doing so. If there is no estate plan to specify an individual’s wishes, then the state will decide what happens with your belongings. This often might not align with what one intended, so specifying how your assets should be distributed among your heirs or beneficiaries to align with your intentions is why estate planning matters immensely.  

On October 21st, we are hosting a FREE workshop, Estate Planning for Everyone, from 3 PM to 4 PM at the Bascom Branch Library (1000 S. Bascom Ave San Jose, CA 95128). This event is perfect for individuals and families seeking peace of mind and financial security. Featuring guest speakers

• Maris Martinson (Estate Planning Attorney at Berliner Cohen)
• Todd P. Langton, CLF (Financial Services Professional, NYLIFE Securities LLC)
• Pat Wolfe (SJPLF Board Member & Epilogue Society Member)

These industry experts will provide invaluable tips, advice, insights, and resources. Whether you’re starting your estate planning journey or looking to refine your existing plan, we encourage you and your loved ones to join us.  

No matter the size of your assets, no matter your age or how wealthy you are, estate planning is beneficial for everyone. It saves time, energy, and resources for you and your loved ones while preserving the legacy you decide to leave behind. Understanding the importance of estate planning and its process will not only give you more peace and control over your possessions, but also empowers you to support causes and organizations you care about through charitable bequests and trusts. When estate planning is executed with competence and confidence, individuals are able to push past just planning, and also leave a legacy that they and their family can be proud of. Thank you for considering the San José Public Library Foundation in your estate planning, and we hope to see you at our Estate Planning for Everyone workshop. 

On Saturday, September 21st, the San José Public Library Foundation hosted its first ever Signature Author Event featuring the renowned celebrity from hit show Yan Can Cook, Chef Martin Yan. This inaugural event raised significant funds and awareness for the San José Public Library while providing guests with a truly memorable culinary experience. 

Want to see the event in action and learn more about its impact? Check out our official recap video and curated collection of media coverage to see how our first ever Signature Author Event made headlines! 

About Chef Yan

“If Yan Can Cook, So Can You!” has always been the motto of Chef Martin Yan! With his extraordinaire, popular television host of more than 3,500 culinary and travel TV shows and author of 34 cookbooks including his brand-new cookbooks – “Martin Yan’s Best of Yan Can Cook” and “MY Asian Kitchen”. He is one of the most recognizable Chinese Chef in the culinary world, from Shanghai to San Francisco, with a career spanning over four decades. Promoting Chinese and Asian cuisines, making the food easy for the cook has been his life-long mission. 

His award-winning public television series, Yan Can Cook, airing since 1978, has introduced generations of audiences to Chinese and Asian cuisines.  Chef Yan has received numerous awards and recognitions including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, and the lifetime achievement award from the International Association of Cooking Professionals. He was also honored with the 2023 Culinary Excellence Award at the Sonoma International Film Festival. 

Never the one to rest on his laurels, Chef Yan has remained an active international food and cultural ambassador. He roams the world working with home chefs and top chefs to entertain and educate the public, sharing his unique humor and strong passion for cooking. 

Join the Wave Goodbye to Fines 

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing advocacy for equitable access to library services: the City of San José has officially gone fines free for all age groups for the year! This momentous change means that San José Public Library users will no longer face late fines, removing a significant barrier to accessing the Library’s vast resources. 

Why Going Fines Free Matters 

Fines have long been a topic of debate in the library community. While they were initially implemented to encourage the timely return of materials, over time, it has become clear that they do more harm than good. People from all income levels incur late fines at about the same rate. However, late fines can disproportionately affect low-income families, children, and other vulnerable populations, creating financial burdens and deterring library use.  

By going fines free, the City of San José joins over 270 library systems across the country, including our neighbors in Santa Clara County, San Francisco, and Oakland. This crucial step ensures that everyone in our community has equal access to the knowledge, resources, and opportunities that the library provides. 

The Impact of Going Fines Free in the City of San José 

By removing financial barriers, more residents can take advantage of the library’s services, from borrowing books and accessing digital resources to participating in educational programs and community events. This change aligns with our focus of driving digital empowerment, enabling lifelong learning, building the workforce, and promoting diverse arts and culture. 

However, this fines-free policy is only secured for this fiscal year. The urgency to expand our advocacy work remains, as we aim to secure a fines-free future for years to come. 

Join the Advocacy Wave 

It is important to understand the victory of SJPL going fines free this year in the context of an unfavorable budget environment that will persist for some time. San José is projected to face a deficit of roughly $80 million over the next five years, meaning that more cuts to programs supported through the city’s General Fund are likely to be proposed. Nearly 80% of the Library’s budget comes from the General Fund, and most of these expenditures fund staff positions in critical public services. For Library advocates, this means two things: 

• We must significantly expand our advocacy work in the year to come. 

• We must pace ourselves in the interest of enacting a prolonged, year-round advocacy effort. 

We invite you to “join the advocacy wave” that SJPLF is growing. Sign up for our monthly advocacy newsletter, which offers educational resources and notifications about opportunities to advocate for important issues like fines-free policies. Together, we can continue to drive positive change and ensure that our library remains a beacon of knowledge and opportunity for all. 

Thank you for your support and commitment to our mission. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of San José residents. 

In addition to the lessons that he taught and the impact he made, Shalom also gained valuable knowledge and connections during his time with the Resilience Corps. Each month, he attended Professional Development workshops hosted by the Resilience Corps which covered career-related topics such as resumé building, personal branding, and interviewing skills. The RCAs were also brought onto corporate campuses and introduced to professionals working in fields that they aspire to enter. This allows for mentorship relations to happen and invaluable networking opportunities with companies in Silicon Valley. As someone with ADHD, Shalom felt seen and encouraged when he met a business professional from a major tech company who had similar struggles. Shalom was inspired by the person’s intelligence and how he preserved regardless of his learning disability. Having been in and worked within the special education system proved to be a foundational part of Shalom’s experience that allowed him the comfortability and desire to grow in his classroom management and teaching skills. Shalom became even more confident and comfortable with teaching amongst the various learning styles and abilities of his students, because of mentors and workshops he attended as an RCA.  

Shalom’s goal is to go back to college after the program to support himself and his family using the skills and character development that he mastered throughout his time in the Resilience Corps Program. “As an RCA, I’m really happy to know that I’m making an impact on some people’s lives whether they’re kids, whether they’re my peers, or just in general, people that come across working as an RCA,” says Shalom. The Resilience Corps program has helped give Shalom and many others the tools to be better prepared for the future and reach realistic and informed goals. The Resilience Corps Program seeks out young adults with big hearts and even bigger aspirations who are passionate about personal and professional growth as well as serving the San José youth. Learn more about how to get involved and support Resilience Corps, so more young adults like Shalom can enter the workspace more experienced and more confident than before.  

Originally Published: August 25, 2024 at 7:14 am

The San José Public Library (SJPL) offers incredible resources and opportunities for the community throughout its 25 branches. A plethora of cultures, languages, and communities can be found at each library location. The San José Public Library Foundation (SJPLF) works to support and amplify the programs offered throughout SJPL.  

 Over the last few months, the Foundation has been following the impact of Resilience Corp Learning Pathways, one of the key programs supported by SJPLF. This program employs dozens of Resilience Corps Associates, or RCAs, who are young adults from San José who gain professional experience and develop meaningful career pathways through the program. Some of the RCA’s help the children of our local communities by collaborating with a STEAM program at the Library, a citywide initiative led by SJPL that creates accessible avenues of learning in STEAM for students K-8th. 

These Resilience Corps Associates placed with the STEAM at the Library are not only focused on offering coding workshops, but also workshops focused on creativity with iPad. RCAs have gone through numerous trainings and workshops to be better equipped for teaching classes covering topics ranging from coding with Swift to stop motion animation using Keynote app and more. RCAs craft uniquely planned lessons each week. Resilience Corps and STEAM programs collectively highlight the unparalleled value of initiatives that not only serve their community but also emphasize the power of partnerships of everyone who helps fund and implement these programs. 

Throughout the year-round program, Resilience Corps Associates are supported through monthly Professional Development Workshops which cover topics like financial literacy and personal branding. Additionally, Resilience Corps Associates placed at the library and working in STEAM programs participated in workshops focused on learning and teaching with Apple technology. With support from Apple’s Community Education Initiative, sessions focused on topics like storytelling – addressing the importance of storytelling and elements of effective messaging – creating professional portfolios, and more. During the Storytelling workshop, the RCAs were asked to identify their personal values and develop a solution for a challenge their community faces as well as to inspire new lesson plans for the classes that the RCAs teach. Using iMovie, the RCAs shared a short video they created during the Storytelling Workshop. Providing focused and action-oriented workshops within the Resilience Corp Program guides young professionals when choosing their career path and fosters a purposeful and growing community. 

These types of intentionally crafted workshops not only equip the RCAs with the tools to teach and positively impact the surrounding communities but also gives them a chance to reflect on their personal goals and professional development as they prepare for their future. The RCAs are proactively adapting their lessons to what they believe the children and their families will benefit from the most. This is done at each location through feedback and long-term relationships that they have cultivated with the families and library staff. Shalom, one of the RCAs at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library, shared that the workshop, “Gave us space to express what we stand for,” improving how they approach problem-solving and serving the community with a clear mission.  

If you want your children to attend upcoming STEAM at the Library classes, visit sjpl.org/learninglabs to see their upcoming schedule at your local branch. Registration is required for some programs, view the upcoming schedule for more details.    

The Resilience Corps Learning Pathway is funded by #CaliforniansForAll.  Resilience Corps Associates are placed at a variety of partner organizations throughout San José in addition to SJPL. Those interested in applying to become Resilience Corps Associates are not guaranteed placement in any specific organization. 

The San José Public Library Foundation (SJPLF) envisions a community where everyone has equal access to lifelong learning, empowering individuals to thrive in school, career, and life. SJPLF supports a variety of programs at the San José Public Library (SJPL), such as  Resilience Corps Learning Pathways and STEAM at the Library. SJPLF is thrilled to highlight a remarkable collaboration between these programs that exemplifies the power of teamwork and collective impact. 

 The Resilience Corps focuses on economic and workforce development for young adults, concurrently aiding K-8th grade students in learning recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. After hiring young adults as Resilience Corps Associates, SJPLF places them with local organizations, including the San José Public Library, to extend after-school learning programs. Last academic year, Resilience Corps serviced 6,500+ students and enrolled 115 young adults in the program. 

At the library, Resilience Corps Associates contribute to STEAM at the Library, a citywide program at SJPL aimed at enhancing access to free, quality STEAM learning programs for K-12 students. Associates undergo training on coding concepts and then lead STEAM classes at library branches, increasing accessibility to coding education in San José. This initiative not only benefits the students but also provides career opportunities for Resilience Corps Associates in the tech or education sectors. Last year, 3,648 K-12 students participated in STEAM programs.  

 This collaborative effort is a cause for celebration, and we’re committed to highlighting its success. Throughout the year, we will track the progress of these Resilience Corps Associates, showcasing their impact on the community and their personal growth. 

 As we celebrate the success of the Resilience Corps and STEAM at the Library collaboration, we recognize the transformative power of collective impact. Through shared goals, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to equity, we pave the way for a brighter future where access to quality education is a reality for everyone. 

The Resilience Corps Learning Pathway is funded by #CaliforniansForAll. 

Resilience Corps Associates are placed at a variety of partner organizations throughout San José in addition to SJPL. Those interested in applying to become Resilience Corps Associates are not guaranteed placement in any specific organization. 

Born in Zacatecas, Mexico in 1927, my father Hijinio Reynoso, Sr was born with a passion for learning. Unfortunately, he was told by my grandmother that learning and any form of education was a thing of the devil…so… he was not allowed to go to school. But that didn’t stop him. He took it upon himself to acquire items like eggs from the neighbors’ chickens and other knickknacks he could sell so he could get the money to purchase school materials. He proudly walked into the first day of school only to have his mother storm in and pull him out after only one hour. That was the extent of my father’s formal education. 

Now, imagine my shock when I went off to college and I was told to mark the “important points” in my textbook by highlighting the section or underlining it with a pencil (and maybe even a pen). That was culture shock! 

Education, learning, and books were always important to my father. When I lost him at the ripe age of 94 in 2021, I wanted to honor his memory and his influence on me and his influence on others by doing more than just a yearly donation to the San José Library Foundation. I wanted to find a way to honor him and the public libraries that have always been at the center of my life as a child, a young adult and now with my own children. That is why my husband and I decided to include the San José Public Library Foundation in our Family Trust.

By adding us to her Family Trust, Rosie joined SJPLF’s Epilogue Society, what we call our community of legacy givers. We are so grateful for Rosie’s passionate support and openness to share her library story.

Please join Rosie in sharing your library story with us at development@sjplf.org.