Building a Strong Educational Foundation
Oregon’s Early Literacy Success Initiative
First You Learn to Read, Then You Read to Learn
Early literacy refers to the language skills young children develop even before they are able to read and write independently. These skills include things like vocabulary development, letter recognition, recognizing rhymes and sounds, and an understanding of how books and print work. Early literacy begins long before formal schooling, often through everyday activities like talking, singing, and hearing stories read aloud. These experiences help children build the necessary foundation for literacy development.
Oregon’s Commitment
In 2023, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) enacted the Early Literacy Success Initiative focusing on children from birth through third grade, including supporting the roles played by families, caregivers, community organizations, tribes, and, of course, public school classrooms.
As ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams states, “Early literacy is a moral imperative.” Its importance cannot be overstated — literacy sets the stage for academic success and lifelong learning. Children who enter school with strong early literacy skills are more likely to become confident readers, which in turn supports learning across all subjects, both in school and beyond. Oregon’s investment in early literacy is one of the most effective ways to close achievement gaps and promote equity in education.
Aligned Schools / Aligned Strategies
A key benefit of Oregon’s Early Literacy Success Initiative is that it standardizes teaching practices across the state. Whether a student attends school in Malheur County or Multnomah County, they’ll benefit from the same research-aligned literacy strategies. Among these are:
- Ongoing professional development and coaching for educators
- High-quality research-aligned instructional materials that reflect how children learn to read
- Specialized literacy staff
- High-dosage tutoring for students who need extra support
- Engaging summer learning opportunities to help students learn (and retain learning) year-round
Thanks to Oregon Lottery’s longtime, powerful partnership we’re more prepared and better resourced to advance student learning. Our schools are stronger, better and more ready to meet the needs of students because of lottery dollars.— Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education
How is It Going?
Teachers, Parents and Students Weigh In
Feedback from across the state has been overwhelmingly positive.
A Director of Curriculum & Instruction recently shared that the grant has been like a dream come true because everyone is aligned on the science of reading, and they have been able to provide staff and volunteers with training and coaching on foundational skills. School districts are grateful for funding that allows them to implement programming that will make a lasting difference in their classrooms.
Parents are seeing real progress in their children’s reading skills, especially in settings where they can receive more personalized support.
Most of all, students are gaining confidence and joy in learning to read, setting the stage for lifetime learning.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, ODE hopes to build a statewide network of literacy coaches to support Oregon’s highest need schools, supported by sustainable funding. This expansion would empower educators and school leaders to enhance literacy instruction across the state, aiming for every student to read on grade level by the end of third grade.
With this investment, Oregon can create lasting, community-wide support for early literacy, transforming the future of education in all schools for all students.
Your Lottery Play Helps Strengthen Oregon’s Education System
“The dollars generated by lottery impact students every day from the first bell to the last class. Lottery dollars boost schools’ ability to focus on impactful initiatives promoting a culture of learning and growing.” — ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams
In 1995, Oregon voters directed more than 50% of Oregon Lottery proceeds to Oregon’s public schools. The funds empower the Oregon Department of Education to pursue important programs and educational resources that support students in every district across Oregon. Because of your lottery play, Oregon students win!
When it Comes to Attendance, Every Day Matters
Learn more about how Oregon Lottery funds support important education initiatives in schools across the state!
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