Early Literacy

About

The goal of our Early Literacy Program is to improve literacy outcomes for children in the early elementary school years (grades kindergarten through three) by supporting instructional practices that align with the science of how children best learn to read.

The current state of early literacy in this country is bleak. Only one-third of fourth-grade children can read at or above a proficient level according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Report Card. Moreover, the picture is worse – much worse – for minoritized populations in which we have a particular interest.

There is a disconnect between the science of reading and current teacher training and curricula. Fortunately, there is a growing movement among parents, teachers, school administrators, and policymakers to employ science-based methods, thereby increasing the likelihood that all children can learn to read.

To improve literacy outcomes for students in grades kindergarten through three, our program has two strategies:

• Support national organizations that advocate for and implement science-based literacy practices so that schools and teachers throughout the country can successfully teach students to read.
• Support schools in one or more of the following locations where the Klingenstein family lives or has roots: New York, Maine, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., or Maryland. To help teachers and school leaders effectively implement the science of reading, this funding supports:
  • Content knowledge building – learning aligned to the science of reading for teachers and leaders via coursework and professional development.
  • Curricula – materials, technology, and training for schools that seek resources aligned to the science of reading.
  • Coaching – support for teachers and leaders.