CLSD Links

The U.S. Department of Education has released $149 million in grants focused on increasing student outcomes in literacy nationwide. The following states were awarded in this competitive grant process. 

The Side-by-Side Team and CLSD Grants:

The Side-by-Side team specializes in knowledge and implementation of scientifically-based reading instruction, systems alignment, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and leadership development. We offer tailored training and job-embedded professional development to help districts maximize the impact of their CLSD funding. From the outset of each project, we focus on building capacity and ensuring sustainability by fostering site-based ownership of the change process.

While each state may have slightly different priorities based on local needs and challenges, the following are common priorities among many of the states, including:

• Training in and Implementation of Evidence-Based Literacy Practices
  • Training and coaching for educators to implement explicit, systematic, instruction K-12 grounded in a structured literacy approach, focusing on evidence-based literacy practices for phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, oral language, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.
• Targeted Support for At-Risk Students
  • Special attention is given to addressing the literacy needs of students living in poverty, English learners (ELs), students with disabilities, and students in rural or other underserved areas.
• Early Literacy and Early Intervention
  • Emphasis on building a strong literacy foundation from early childhood as a method of prevention, ensuring that children have access to high-quality early literacy programs that prevent reading difficulties later.
• Professional Development and Teacher Support
  • Providing professional development and training for teachers, particularly in evidence-based literacy practices and strategies for addressing the needs of diverse learners. Training is paired with job-embedded coaching to bridge the knowing-doing gap, and ensure educators have the support they need to effectively implement these practices in the classroom.
• Data-Driven Decision Making
  • A priority on using data and assessments to identify students’ literacy needs and progress, and to inform instruction and intervention strategies.
• Partnerships with Higher Education
  • Strategic partnerships with colleges and universities to create a continuous feedback loop between K-12 schools and higher education, ensuring that literacy strategies are both research-driven and aligned with the latest best practices.
• Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
  • Emphasizing the need for states and districts to create long-term systems for supporting high-quality literacy practices that will continue beyond the grant period.
• Equity and Access
  • Prioritizing equitable access to high-quality literacy programs and materials for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, and tackling the achievement gap by providing targeted support to student groups that are underperforming in literacy.

Call Side-by-Side Educational Consulting today to learn how we can help your district achieve lasting improvements in literacy!