Improving Literacy Outcomes Across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
The Improving Literacy Outcomes project supports state education agency (SEA) literacy leaders in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina as they work to strengthen literacy instruction and intervention, and improve student achievement from pre-K through grade 12.
Why this work matters
The three states have advanced early literacy through efforts such as teacher training, screening, and intervention for students who struggle with reading. Their current work includes helping educators put strengthened English language arts standards, high-quality instructional materials, and evidence-based reading instruction into practice. States are also considering how to improve literacy instruction and intervention for students in grades 4–12.
How the project supports states
The project is intended to help build states’ capacity to plan and carry out literacy improvement efforts. It convenes state literacy leaders regularly to share progress, challenges, and lessons learned, and provides research, resources, and support tailored to each state’s needs. The project also helps states develop feedback loops with schools and districts so that local experiences can inform the implementation of current policies and the development of future ones.
The project builds on the value state leaders have found in cross-state collaboration through the SER5CC’s predecessor, RC6, from 2019 to 2024. Areas of focus include implementing approved ESEA consolidated state plans and supporting the implementation and expansion of evidence-based practices, including in rural communities and schools serving students with significant needs.
Intended outcomes
Through stronger state capacity and better-informed implementation, the project aims to help states improve literacy achievement across the pre-K–12 continuum, accelerate learning for every student, and support access to a comprehensive, rigorous education.
Intentionality and Implmentation Support: How North Carolina is Moving the Needle on Early Literacy webinar recording.
In this webinar, Samantha Durrance of the Southeast Region 5 Comprehensive Center at SERVE shared observations and lessons learned from the stories of two schools that are successfully moving the needle on early literacy. Also, joinging the conversation to offer insights and information on how North Carolina is supporting literacy were NCDPI’s current Office of Early Learning Senior Director, Cynthia Barber, as well as former Senior Director and current author at EdNC, Amy Rhyne to share observations on early literacy across the state.
View the recording below.
Read how Siler City and Virginia Cross Elementaries, Chatham County Schools, NC are moving the needle on early literacy.