RACE Into Reading - Reading About Career Experiences is an interactive school/community service project between Missouri CTSO members and elementary students that promotes reading for fun and information. Participation in the project allows elementary students to learn about a variety of career opportunities and allows the CTSO
member to develop leadership skills and serve as a positive role model for elementary students. The project is sponsored through Missouri Career Education and Missouri's Career and Technical Student Organizations - DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, SkillsUSA, and TSA.
RACE Into Reading projects may also be a part of the service-learning opportunities and before and after school childcare programs. Tying the projects to a school/community need and collaboration between staff can provide additional leadership development opportunities for CTSO members.
| All CTSO chapters that complete the online evaluation questionnaire by March 1 will receive recognition at their state conference. |

The La Monte FCCLA Chapter has been participating in the RACE into Reading program to encourage reading about careers to the local second grade class. The members select a career field to read about to the children on a regular basis and try to bring in a coordinating guest speaker as well. The committee consists of Dakota, Lacy, and Magen.
Dakota and Lacy are actual Sprint car drivers at racetracks around the area, so one month they chose to read about racing as a career. Lacy wore her race suit while Dakota brought her car in for the kids to see as well as their trophies. The La Raceway owner was able to visit the kids and explain about safety. Pictured above are the FCCLA Committee members, Mr. White the track owner, and the second grade class.
- Request a 2007-2008 RACE Into Reading toolkit (pdf)
NOTE: A few toolkits are available and can still be requested. February is Career and Technical Education Month.
- New RACE Into Reading Poster (pdf)
- New RACE Into Reading card/sticker activity (pdf)
- Watch the RACE Into Reading Video! (4 minutes) (wmv)
Streaming video about how CTSOs can get involved with the RACE Into Reading program
- Radio Public Service Announcement (1 minute) (mp3)
-
"What's A Career Path?" Video (18 minutes) (wmv)
A fun video introducing Career Paths to young students is now available in streaming video. Development of this timeless piece was sponsored by DESE in 1999 and originally distributed in VHS tape format. Similar to a Saturday morning fun show, this video is targeted to students in the 4-8 grade levels, yet is enjoyable for all ages.
Curriculum Integration
- RACE Into Reading Rationale and Objectives (pdf)
- Curriculum Integration by Program Area (pdf)
- Seven Laps to a Successful Project (pdf)
- RACE Into Reading Fact Sheet (pdf)
Activity and Incentive Ideas
- Suggested Activities (pdf)
- Incentives and Recognition (pdf)
- T-shirt Template Instructions (pdf)
- T-shirt Template (pdf) (doc)
- Certificate Template (pdf)
Resources for Chapters
- RACE Into Reading Suggested Book List (pdf)
- Resources @ MCCE (pdf)
- Book/Literature Resources (pdf)
- Permission Form for CTSO Members (pdf) (doc)
- Sample Letter to Administrators (pdf) (doc)
- Sample Letter to Teachers (pdf) (doc)
- Sample Letter to Parents (pdf) (doc)
- Reading/Tutoring Tips (pdf)
- Resource Websites for Families, Literacy and Reading (pdf)
- Sample Press Release (pdf) (doc)
RACE Into Reading Color Logo (jpg)