A Neuroscientist’s Perspective: J3’s New Advisory Board Member Brings Research-Based Expertise

Meet Rebecca Gotlieb, Ph.D. 

Her impressive credentials include educational neuroscientist, human developmental psychologist and the newest member of J3 Foundation’s Advisory Board. 

As a researcher at the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at UCLA, Rebecca specializes in the coordinated development of literacy and social-emotional functioning in kids and adolescents. 

In other words, Dr. Gotlieb is a perfect fit to help J3 Foundation’s commendable mission to equip fourth graders with the reading skills, habits, and confidence they need to succeed. 

“I did have my own set of struggles in learning,” admits Rebecca, who was diagnosed with learning differences in high school. “That made me really interested in how people learn and what goes on in our brains, how my brain might be different.” 
She understands the challenges these students face and knows the stakes are high, especially for those with limited resources. Students who don’t read proficiently by third grade are four times likelier to drop out of school.

The research is clear. Two-thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. It’s a crushing statistic that offers a hopeful alternative, as helping one child to read can change their life forever. 

In the few years Rebecca has been consulting with J3, her expertise has been invaluable in the foundation’s goal of interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. Dr. Gotlieb strongly believes that building students’ literacy skills can change their educational, economic, and career trajectories. 

“What I love about J3 is that they are addressing social, emotional, and literacy needs of kids in concert, which I think is the most realistic and effective way to support young people,” she adds.

Dr. Gotlieb touts the importance of J3’s culturally relevant, diverse, and inclusive books available in their lending library so kids can see themselves represented in the literature. 
“One thing that’s really incredible about J3 is the special attention students get and what that does to the heart and soul of a child,” she mentions, citing J3’s Cozy Reading Club, a free reading intervention program for kids in California’s underserved schools.

But the most exciting news is yet to come! Dr. Gotlieb is helping to pilot a new research-based initiative in which J3 alumni, currently in middle school, come back to tutor the fourth graders. The middle schoolers will act as mentors to the current students, along with having the opportunity to practice their reading. 

In the last year, J3 has doubled the number of students it serves and aims to expand their reach into other cities and hopefully states. Luckily Dr. Gotlieb’s research and expertise serving on the J3 Advisory Board will help transform the lives of countless children and their communities. 

Make a difference! Your generous donation will help J3 impart the literacy skills and emotional tools these students need to ensure a bright future!