Early Literacy Program Background

Program Background: Early Literacy


Research indicates that early success with reading can build a solid foundation for high school graduation and post-secondary prosperity. With 41% of Twin Cities third-graders reading below grade level, McKnight is investing in a new early literacy goal to increase the number of third graders reading at grade level. McKnight believes successful adults are key to the health and vitality of our region and state.

Building on more than a decade of support for early childhood and kindergarten-readiness in Minnesota, the board of directors' decision to promote reading success was informed by more than a year of planning, including research into evidence-based programs and interviews with field leaders and other stakeholders in education and youth development. During the program's planning phase, McKnight's staff and board learned in depth about the challenges and needs inherent in efforts to improve early literacy. Upon reflection on all that was learned, McKnight's directors approved a new partnership with the Urban Education Institute (UEI) at the University of Chicago to lead and manage the grants to local school districts.

In the first year grants were made to three Twin Cities school districts. To ensure potential for success and sustainability of programming, the grants were preceded by a planning year for each school to prepare for possible implementation. Throughout planning, the districts worked with internal teams and with the University of Chicago's Urban Education Institute to review and address the full gamut of research-based approaches to literacy from pre-kindergarten through third grade, including alignment, best use of instructional time, coherent pathways and partnerships, data and diagnostics, parent and community engagement, and professional capacity. The planning year also allowed districts to prepare key sites for related changes in operations and curriculum. Beyond direct funding, each school was also provided access to opportunities for collaborative learning and knowledge sharing to improve literacy.

Through these grants to schools districts and other organizations,McKnight intends to improve the quality of literacy education from pre-K through third grade, foster an aligned and seamless education system with better educational outcomes, create effective data systems for gathering and disseminating relevant information, and increase opportunities for support to children with the greatest needs.

 

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