I am a social worker who is in the third and final year of a social work masters program at the University of Washington-Tacoma. I work closely with children and families every day.

I understand Auburn sees a lot of homelessness and poverty and deals with issues associated with those plights, such as youth dropping out of school. I believe the City of Auburn is deeply committed to helping its youth and those in need.

There is a correlation between high poverty and low test scores. However, based off a Brookings Institute study, this does not apply to Auburn elementary schools, which have had high test scores and performed better than schools in higher economic districts.

I would like to see Auburn continue to be a model for success.

I researched several different dropout prevention programs used in other cities and schools, and there is one that perhaps the Auburn School District could consider implementing: Read and Ride.

The program, designed by school counselor Scott Ertl, sets up 25-to-30 stationary bikes in a room, which children and teachers can use to read as they ride. The program helps calm and focus fidgety children. It also provides children with extra energy and allows them to have fun while they learn.

A bike can also be set up in a classroom. If a child has too much energy or becomes disruptive, instead of sending the child to the principal’s office, that child could get on the bike, peddle for minutes and follow along with the class.

The program is in more than 50 schools in 28 states.

According to Ertl, there is little or no cost for the school. Schools can pursue a grant to purchase bikes or advertise for donated bikes from health clubs and people within the community.

For more information, contact Ertl at scott@readandride.org, or visit www.readandride.org.

– Angie O’Neill