The importance of literacy
Literacy is the cornerstone of all learning and is vital for student success both in school and beyond. The ability to read and write proficiently opens doors to broader educational opportunities, empowers students to fully engage in their community, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.
EARLY LITERACY PROFICIENCY IS CRUCIAL
Early literacy proficiency by the third grade is essential for a child’s academic success and future opportunities.
Research, including a pivotal study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, shows that students who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to excel in higher grades and complete high school. Achieving proficiency by third grade is critical as it is the point where students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Those who lag in reading skills may struggle to cope with increasingly text-intensive curriculums across all subjects in later years.
Ensuring that students reach this key literacy milestone by third grade supports their continued educational success and opens up broader career and educational opportunities in the future.
TELI (Transforming Early Literacy Initiative)
The Transforming Early Literacy Initiative (TELI) is a collaborative effort between Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools, supported by the Helios Education Foundation and the Community Foundation Tampa Bay.
Designed to elevate early literacy rates in the district, TELI concentrates its efforts on 12 elementary schools where, on average, a significant proportion of third graders struggle to achieve reading proficiency.
The initiative uses a data-driven approach, deploying full-time literacy coaches to improve teaching quality and student outcomes. By enhancing literacy skills at an early age, TELI aims to build a robust educational foundation for students throughout Hillsborough County.
FAMILY LITERACY WORKSHOPS
Family Literacy Workshops are one solution to ensuring families are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to support literacy at home.
Hillsborough Education Foundation, through support provided by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) and the New Worlds Reading Initiative, is working to provide high-needs schools with these workshops throughout the year to empower families, boosting reading confidence and nurturing a lifelong passion for books. By engaging families in interactive and educational activities, the workshops foster a supportive learning environment that helps students thrive academically. This initiative not only enhances literacy skills but also strengthens the bond between children and caregivers through shared learning experiences.
To support Hillsborough Education Foundation in promoting the importance of early literacy throughout Hillsborough County, please consider making a donation.
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The ability to read and write proficiently opens doors to broader educational opportunities, empowers students to fully engage in their community, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning.