ENHANCE EARLY LITERACY PROGRAMS

Early literacy is a critical foundation for a student’s future success. By providing strong reading skills, students are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

To achieve this goal, it is critical that the District provide funding to expand structured literacy training for all PK-5 teachers. This funding will empower educators to effectively teach reading skills to their students and create a strong foundation for their education. 

We believe in providing tools and resources that support reading skills at home. This includes personal development resources, increased access to literacy materials, and partnerships between families, educators, and community organizations.

In addition to supporting literacy skills, we must also prioritize equity and access to resources. All students, regardless of their background or the type of school they attend, should have equal opportunities and resources to achieve success. 

To this end, we ask that the FY24 budget include:

• Expansion of structured literacy training offerings to all PK-5 educators
• Sustaining access to high-impact tutoring and literacy interventions for all students
• Empowering families, by requiring annual reporting of literacy and numeracy student data to caregivers, in a form that is accessible and comprehensible for all families

By focusing on expanding literacy training and empowering families, we can work towards creating a brighter future for all DC students, and ensure that they have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.