Literacy First, a program from The University of Texas at Austin’s Charles A. Dana Center, has been making strides in improving literacy outcomes for young learners in Central Texas. Now, they are thrilled to announce their expansion beyond the Lone Star State, specifically to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Partnering with Chattanooga 2.0, Literacy First piloted its evidence-based tutoring program in the 2023–2024 school year with great success.
The Literacy First tutoring model focuses on supporting children at Title I schools in grades K-2, offering personalized literacy instruction to address individual needs. By providing high-impact, one-to-one tutoring during the school day, Literacy First aims to close gaps in literacy skills and set students on a path to excel academically and in life as they develop their reading abilities.
During the pilot program at East Side Elementary in Chattanooga, Literacy First worked with first and second grade students, marking the first time the program has been replicated outside of Central Texas. The results were promising, with over half of the students in the pilot program reaching or nearing grade-level reading standards by the end of the school year. This success motivated the district to expand the services offered.
Looking ahead to the 2024–2025 school year, Literacy First, in collaboration with Chattanooga 2.0 and Hamilton County Schools, plans to extend the program to include 11 additional elementary school campuses and two District Lead Coaches. This expansion is part of Literacy First’s gradual release Capacity Building Model, where their expert staff trains and supports district staff and paraprofessional tutors over several years. The ultimate goal of this model is for partner schools and organizations to implement the program independently with reduced support from Literacy First over time.
Dr. Claire Hagen Alvarado, Director of Literacy First, expressed her excitement about bringing the proven tutoring model to Chattanooga and working with partners dedicated to creating opportunities for all children to establish a strong educational foundation in reading. Brandon Hubbard-Heitz, Director of Literacy and Student Strategy at Chattanooga 2.0, added that Literacy First’s tutoring model is a key strategy in their efforts to build a robust system of literacy supports for children in the community.
Reading is a fundamental skill that is essential for success in all academic disciplines. Dr. Justin Robertson, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, emphasized the importance of providing additional support to students who may need it, praising Literacy First’s efforts to scale up their tutoring program to assist those in need.
As Literacy First expands its reach to new communities like Chattanooga, their mission remains steadfast: to teach young children how to read, empowering them to excel in life and achieve their dreams. Since 1994, Literacy First has partnered with public, Title I schools and community organizations to provide intensive and effective literacy tutoring in English and Spanish to K-2 students. The program is an outreach initiative of the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin.
Chattanooga 2.0, established in 2016, is a small nonprofit organization dedicated to changing systems in order to impact generational changes in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, Tennessee. With a focus on improving economic opportunity and quality of life through education attainment, Chattanooga 2.0 leads initiatives to remove systemic barriers and provide supports to children, students, and their families. The organization convenes and leads community groups such as Early Matters, Great Teachers Great Leaders, the Out of School Time Alliance, and the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Children’s Cabinet.
As Literacy First and Chattanooga 2.0 join forces to expand early childhood literacy programs in Chattanooga, the future looks bright for young learners in the area. With a commitment to improving literacy outcomes and providing essential support to students, these organizations are making a significant impact on the educational landscape in Tennessee. Through collaboration and dedication to the mission of improving literacy, Literacy First and Chattanooga 2.0 are paving the way for a brighter future for children in the community.