Early literacy learning is a key predictor to later academic success. Research demonstrates that the vast majority of students can learn how to read and write through effective classroom instruction. However, some students may require short term individualized early intervention. Districts should propose early intervention individual tutorial literacy programs in one or more district schools that establish or support early intervention individual tutorial literacy programs, to provide short term intervention for students who are at risk of failing to learn to read by the end of the first grade. An essential goal of this program is to document the effectiveness of this type of intervention in improving student achievement of long-term literacy goals, and in reducing grade retentions and special education referrals for reading difficulties.
All school districts are eligible to apply.
School districts with high percentages of low-income students will receive priority for funding. Funds must be used for professional development which increases the skills of teachers to provide early intervention individual tutorial literacy programs, including stipends, substitutes, consultants, course fees, supplies, materials. Describe the expected outcomes of this program, and how the effectiveness of the program will be assessed. Describe how data will be collected to document the early literacy intervention program's impact on student achievements, grade retentions, and special education referrals.