Blog – Literacy
By Joni Wackwitz | December 14, 2021
REL Midwest looks back on five years of partnership work in Illinois to improve the literacy outcomes of students in kindergarten through grade 3.
By Joni Wackwitz | September 15, 2021
A new study from REL Midwest examined the use of enhanced coaching for teachers as part of a broader professional development initiative to improve early literacy instruction and achievement in Chicago Public Schools.
By Jill Bowdon | June 28, 2021
After the disruption of the pandemic, many districts and schools hope to accelerate younger students’ growth in reading. Although this task may seem daunting, research on reading suggests three concrete steps educators can take to meet this challenge.
Resource roundup: Evidence-based strategies to cultivate early literacy skills as schools reopen
By Sara Mitrano | April 26, 2021
Check out these resources and events from the REL network and the What Works Clearinghouse to explore research and strategies for supporting early childhood literacy development.
It takes a village to support early literacy
By Yolanda Knight | February 22, 2021
Yolanda Knight, program director of the Steans Family Foundation, describes how North Lawndale READS, an early literacy initiative in Chicago, partners with schools and community groups to support equitable access to learning.
By Joni Wackwitz | February 9, 2021
REL Midwest studied reading achievement across kindergarten and grade 1 for two Illinois districts and found that gaps among student groups widened over time.
Tips from a teacher: Supporting early childhood literacy skills in the time of COVID-19
By Megan Hillegass | June 25, 2020
A prekindergarten teacher shares tips on approaches parents can use to teach young children literacy skills at home.
Assessing district literacy needs: Coaching to turn data into action
By Cora Goldston | May 20, 2020
Find out how REL Midwest worked with the Ohio Department of Education to collect, analyze, and act on data about district reading plans.
The ABCs of academic success: A focus on early literacy
By Joni Wackwitz | November 22, 2019
Our Midwest Early Childhood Education Research Alliance is targeting early literacy. Learn about the alliance’s new research and training projects.
Resource roundup: Supporting early literacy development
By Joni Wackwitz | November 22, 2019
Early literacy achievement paves the way for later academic success. Browse these resources from the REL network and the What Works Clearinghouse to support children’s early literacy development.
Resource roundup: Supporting student literacy at the secondary level
By Joni Wackwitz | October 28, 2019
Browse this collection of resources from the REL network and the What Works Clearinghouse to support students’ reading and writing skills at the secondary level.