By Joni Wackwitz
November 22, 2019
Early literacy achievement paves the way for later academic success. Browse this collection of resources from the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) network and the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) to support children’s early literacy development.
Resources from the REL network
- Students who achieve reading proficiency by grade 3 are four times more likely to
graduate. This infographic from REL Pacific highlights the importance of early literacy for future success [365 KB
PDF
], including factors in the home and school that can influence early literacy achievement. - REL Midwest’s Ask A REL reference desk has addressed several
questions related to early literacy instruction and assessment:
- What research is available on the use of leveled texts or phonics readers to teach beginning reading?
- What research is available on full-day kindergarten and reading achievement?
- What research is available on the effectiveness of the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) at assessing students’ reading skills in grades K–1?
- REL Southeast has developed a portfolio of resources to guide educators in selecting,
implementing, and evaluating effective early literacy practices and interventions:
- This report examines the relative effectiveness of two approaches to early literacy intervention in grades K–2: an embedded approach and a standalone approach.
- District and school practitioners can use this self-study guide for implementing early literacy interventions to plan, reflect, and identify areas for improvement.
- This roadmap [756 KB
] and related video provide
resources to guide state and local education agencies in implementing evidence-based
literacy practices in classrooms at all levels.
- Drawing on six WWC practice guides, this rubric helps evaluate reading and language arts instructional materials for grades K–5.
- Look for two REL Southeast resources coming soon: a review of 20 years of research on effective instructional practices for improving early language and literacy development and a teacher’s guide to support family involvement in K–3 literacy.
Educator practice guides from the What Works Clearinghouse
- Browse this WWC practice guide to learn five steps teachers, reading coaches, and principals can take to improve K–3 students’ reading comprehension. Then check out the companion facilitator’s guide from REL Southeast to support professional learning communities in implementing the steps.
- A related product, this WWC practice guide provides four recommendations for teaching foundational reading skills to K–3 students. A companion professional learning communities facilitator’s guide from REL Southeast and other supplemental products are also available.
- For practices to help English learner students access academic content in elementary and middle school, explore the recommendations in this WWC practice guide and the companion professional learning communities facilitator’s guide from REL Southwest.
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