Student Spotlight: Asia Karimi and the Love of Reading

By: Abby Strongin

Asia Karimi, smiling for the camera at the grand opening of FORA's new space in June 2024.

Asia, a bright and energetic 7-year-old, is one of ten siblings—five of whom also attend FORA! For the past two years, Asia has walked through FORA’s doors with joy and excitement, eager to start reading.

Her love for reading began at FORA and from her favorite book, The Princess and the Peach by Lisa Regan. She says that “sometimes at school I don’t know many words,” which makes it difficult for her to understand what is going on in the classroom and in the books she reads. However, when she comes to FORA, she is able to get one-on-one direction from one of our committed tutors, who helps her understand the words she might be struggling with at school.

When our students arrive in America, they are often placed in the school system based on their age rather than their education level, making it difficult for them to understand what is going on in the classroom. Through our High Impact Tutoring (HIT), we are able to catch them up to grade level before they fall behind. We use different applications on our iPads and Chromebooks and individualized learning plans for each student. Using these methods, students can learn the foundational literacy and numeracy skills needed to succeed in America.

When asked if and how FORA will help her when she grows up, she responded with a smile, a nod, and that it will help with her English. With English as her second language, Asia believes that with the help she receives from FORA regarding learning an entire new language, she will be able to grow up to be whatever she wants. She has big plans for her future, no matter what it might be, and we are all excited to go through the journey together.

Asia Karimi, listening to a speech at the grand opening of FORA's new space in June 2024.

Although there was little mention of any sort of math during our conversation, Asia has jumped 30 percentiles from August of 2024 to February 2025 after her quarterly testing. This large jump is one to be celebrated, given that when asked if she enjoyed math, she simply shrugged and continued discussing what book she was reading.

Students are tested in small groups every semester using the STAR Assessment. The STAR Assessment is a standardized test used in the Chicago Public School System to test students on their reading and math skills. We use this test with all of our students to track their progress throughout the year and to adapt their learning plan to their progress.

With the help of our dedicated tutors, Asia is building the confidence and skills to read any book her heart desires, not just The Princess and the Peach.