Newark Early Literacy Project

This initiative seeks to improve early literacy rates among young children by considering Pre-K as a foundational stage for literacy development, and building professional development experiences for K-3 educators on the foundational skills of Pre-K. Research indicates that early interventions in Pre-K settings significantly influence literacy outcomes, reducing the need for remedial efforts later in a child's education.

Partnering with Phillip’s Academy Charter School in Newark, the team plans a three-pronged approach to build the ecosystem: Job Embedded Professional Development/ Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and a Parent Academy. Coaching sessions will develop the ELA coaches’ and teachers’ capacity to teach foundational literacies, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing, while providing actionable feedback to students. Monthly PLC meetings over the school year will support early literacy teams in decision-making related to early literacy beliefs, planning, instruction, assessment, and curriculum. Finally, a Parent Academy will be established, offering workshops to empower parents with the skills and knowledge to reinforce a culture of reading and literacy learning at home.