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Literacy improves when education leaders and communities know what’s at stake.
Research shows that when students develop strong reading and writing skills in elementary and middle school, they are more successful in achieving their academic and life goals.
Policymakers, educators, families and school communities make many decisions that affect the quality of literacy instruction students receive. These decisions include ensuring all students have access to an affirming education, supporting teachers with high-quality instructional materials and professional learning, and building and sustaining a skilled and diverse educator workforce.
We work to ensure decision-makers and advocates have research and insights they can use to create demand for policies and practices that increase literacy.
WHAT WE DO
Strengthening literacy instruction requires knowledge of evidence-based policies and practices that support student learning.
We invest in organizations conducting research, identifying promising practices, elevating the perspectives of students, teachers, and families, and supporting policymakers taking steps to improve literacy outcomes and promote educator diversity.
Through this work, we strive to ensure access to an equitable and excellent education that includes:
- Instructional materials based on evidence of how students learn to read and write, enhancing their knowledge of the wider world.
- Teachers and leaders supported by meaningful professional development grounded in high-quality instructional materials.
- Increased representation of Black and Latino educators so that Black and Latino students can see themselves reflected in their classrooms and schools.
- Teaching that values linguistic diversity as an asset and supports multilingual learners in achieving academic success.
Our Approach
We work with grantees that advocate for effective policies and practices so Black and Latino students from low-income communities, including multilingual learners, can access high-quality literacy instruction.
Conducting research and evaluation
We invest in research that examines approaches for improving student literacy, including high-quality professional learning and a diverse teacher workforce. We prioritize research that helps our partners strengthen their own efforts while also informing the broader education field.
Communicating results
We help organizations share their insights and amplify the voices of educators who can speak to the needs of their students and their profession. By sharing their lessons learned, these organizations inform and inspire education leaders to implement policies and practices based on evidence and educator experience.
Improving policy and practice
We support efforts to help policymakers, state and local education leaders, and school communities develop and implement policies that reflect current research and promising strategies for student success. These policies can help to scale and spread instruction that enables students to become confident and competent readers, writers and thinkers.
Our Grantees
We invest in organizations and initiatives that are at the forefront of identifying best practices, sharing recommendations, and advocating for equitable and effective policies in education.
View more grantees in our Education Grantmaking portfolio
Discovering Best Practices for Professional Learning
The Research Partnership for Professional Learning (RPPL) brings together professional learning practitioners, researchers, educators and funders to conduct studies and analyze data on improving teacher instruction.
Advocating for Research-Backed Policies With Communities
The Education Trust (Ed Trust) engages diverse communities to increase political and public will for education equity and justice.
Advancing Statewide Instructional Improvement
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Instructional Materials and Professional Development Network helps states strengthen and implement policies to improve instruction.