Austin, Texas — Literacy comes firstLiteracy First, a program of the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin dedicated to improving literacy outcomes for young students, is pleased to announce its expansion beyond Central Texas. In partnership with Chattanooga 2.0, Literacy First piloted its evidence-based tutoring program in Chattanooga, Tennessee, during the 2023-2024 school year.
The Literacy First tutoring model supports children in Title I schools from kindergarten through second grade, providing them with personalized literacy instruction to address individual needs. Through high-impact, one-on-one tutoring during the school day, they close gaps in literacy skills and put students on a path to success in school and life as they learn to read.
Literacy First successfully piloted its program with first- and second-grade students at East Side Elementary School. This is the first time Literacy First has replicated its tutoring program outside of Central Texas. The positive impact on student literacy outcomes was evident: more than half of the students in the pilot program met or approached grade-level reading standards by the end of the school year, prompting the district to expand the services offered.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Literacy First, in partnership with Chattanooga 2.0 and Hamilton County Schools, will expand the program to include 11 additional elementary school campuses and two district lead coaches. This expansion is part of Literacy First’s phased-in capacity-building model, where its expert staff trains and supports district staff and paraprofessional coaches over several years. The goal of this model is for partner schools and organizations to implement the program independently with reduced support from Literacy First over time.
“We are thrilled to bring our proven tutoring model to Chattanooga and collaborate with partners dedicated to creating opportunities for all children to build a strong educational foundation in reading,” said Literacy First Director Dr. Claire Hagen Alvarado.
Brandon Hubbard-Heitz, Chattanooga 2.0’s director of literacy and student strategy, added, “The Literacy First mentoring model is a key strategy in Chattanooga 2.0’s effort to build a strong, aligned system of literacy support for children from birth at home, at school, and throughout the community. We were excited to launch the model in Hamilton County Schools and are even more excited to see the model’s expanded impact on K-2 students across the county.”
“Reading is essential to success in all academic disciplines, so it was important for us to see Literacy First expanded as a tool to support students who need a little extra help,” says Dr. Justin Robertson, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. “I’m excited about partnering with multiple community partners to provide tutoring that will have a real impact in both the short and long term.”
To learn more about Literacy First and its mission, please visit www.literacyfirst.org.
About Literacy First
Literacy First teaches young children to read, preparing them to excel in life and realize their dreams. Since 1994, Literacy First has partnered with public schools, Title I schools, and community organizations to provide intensive, effective literacy tutoring in English and Spanish to K-2 students. Literacy First is an outreach program of the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Learn more at www.literacyfirst.org.
About Chattanooga 2.0
Chattanooga 2.0 was established in 2016 and is a small nonprofit working to change systems in order to create generational change in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Tennessee. The ultimate goal is to improve economic opportunity and quality of life, and Chattanooga 2.0 believes that educational attainment is the first step. From early childhood education to thriving careers, the small team leads initiatives to remove systemic barriers and provide intentional support for children, students, and their families. Chattanooga 2.0 convenes and leads community groups such as Early Matters, Great Teachers Great Leaders, Out of School Time Alliance, and the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Children's Cabinet. For more information, visit www.chatt2.org.
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