06/03/25
Atlas Public School: Building a Culture of Literacy in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Atlas Public School has embarked on an exciting journey as one of the four schools selected for the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge. With a strong foundation in literacy instruction and a passionate team of educators, Atlas Public School is ready to tackle the challenge of improving third-grade reading proficiency.
Who Is On The Team?
This two-year challenge, supported by a $1 million investment from Emerson and facilitated by The Opportunity Trust, enables Atlas to refine and expand its evidence-based literacy practices. The Atlas team leading this initiative includes:
- Dr. Hannah Stout, Director of Early Literacy
- Tierrus Tucker, Head of School
- Kelly Valentine, Kindergarten Teacher
- Jason Flores, Reading Interventionist
- Shannon Privott-Walter, Student Success Coordinator
- Lorna Sanchez McClellan, Board Member
- Victor Thomas, Board Member
Engaging the broader school community is a central part of our approach to improving literacy outcomes. At Atlas, we recognize that meaningful progress in literacy requires a collaborative effort that involves teachers, parents, and students alike.
Colby Heckendorn, Executive Director of Atlas Public Schools
How Is Atlas Advancing Literacy?
Atlas Public School’s current curriculum includes Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), which provides a solid foundation in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. Alongside CKLA, they utilize HD Word and Ignite Tutoring for targeted phonics instruction, ensuring students master fundamental skills early.
“It has really been a push of ours to have our students on grade level with decoding and fluency by the end of second grade, “ shared Jennifer Humphrey, Head of Curriculum and Instruction. “It’s [the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge] is an opportunity to deepen the work we’re already doing.”
Their literacy approach is data-driven and highly responsive. Teachers regularly use progress monitoring tools to assess student performance and tailor instruction accordingly. This system of frequent assessment and feedback ensures no student falls through the cracks. Atlas also places a strong emphasis on small group instruction and personalized interventions, allowing teachers to meet students where they are and guide them toward proficiency. However, the team recognizes there is more work to do, particularly in ensuring consistency across all grade levels and addressing the specific needs of their multilingual learners.
We’re a public school, so we take all kids. We may get students who are on grade level with reading, and we may not. We have to have a really solid plan for when a child comes in needing support with reading so that they also can make it to grade level.
Jennifer Humphrey, Head of Curriculum and Instruction
“Balancing the implementation of CKLA with other important aspects of our instructional vision—such as differentiated instruction, intervention support, and building teacher expertise—has required us to be intentional about what to prioritize at different times,” said Heckendorn. “We’ve learned the importance of pacing our progress and making strategic decisions about when to focus on specific aspects of our literacy approach, ensuring each piece receives the attention it needs to be successful.”
In addition to Atlas, The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge brings together four district and charter public school teams to collaborate and learn from each other and national experts. “Being a one-school LEA, we don’t always have the chance to collaborate like this,” said Dr. Stout. “It’s invaluable to learn from other schools and literacy experts, to bring new frameworks and strategies back to our classrooms.”
What Defines Success?
At Atlas Public School, a clear literacy goal has united educators, board members, and families in a shared mission. Board members like Lorna Sanchez McClellan and Victor Thomas champion this work, ensuring literacy remains a priority beyond the classroom. With the entire school community invested, Atlas is building the momentum needed to turn ambitious goals into lasting success.
“We set a goal for our school of having 60% of kids meeting grade-level standards on MAP fluency,” said Humphrey. “Ideal case is, we want that to be higher.”
“Additionally, we aim for 60% of students who start the year below grade level in multiple domains to be on grade level in Sentence Reading Fluency,” Heckendorn added.
The journey has just begun, but Atlas Public School is already proving that collaboration drives lasting change. By working alongside district and charter teams, leveraging national expertise, and strengthening their instructional foundation, they are setting a new standard for literacy excellence. Their commitment isn’t just transforming outcomes for their students—it’s shaping a model that can uplift schools across the region.
But they can’t do it alone. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or community member, there are ways to get involved. Advocate for policies that prioritize literacy, connect with school leaders, or explore funding opportunities to expand access to proven literacy strategies. Schools thrive when entire communities rally around them.
Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader. Join us in championing early literacy—volunteer, invest, or spread the word. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates, and help share the story of how collaboration is shaping the future of education in St. Louis.
Commons Lane Primary School: Closing the Reading Gap with the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Commons Lane Primary School: Closing the Reading Gap with the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
A Successful Start: Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Kicks Off
