06/03/25
Commons Lane Primary School: Closing the Reading Gap with the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Commons Lane Primary School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District is dedicated to giving its young learners a strong foundation in reading. Now, as one of four schools selected for the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, they are poised to accelerate their progress in closing the third-grade reading gap.
This two-year challenge, supported by a $1 million investment from Emerson and facilitated by The Opportunity Trust, provides Commons Lane with the opportunity to enhance its literacy instruction with additional resources and expert guidance.
Who Is On The Team?
The dedicated team leading this initiative includes:
- David Murray, Chief Academic Officer
- Stephanie Martin, Principal
- Kayla Tusing, 2nd Grade Teacher
- Aimee Koester, Kindergarten Teacher
- Amanda Robinson, Instructional Coach
- Amy Bauer, Teacher
- DeAngela Favell, Teacher
- Shemeicka Green, District ELA Coordinator
- Jillian Dunn, Board Member
- Dr. Courtney Graves, Board Member
- Shefay Pittman, Parent
Together, they bring a wealth of experience, passion, and a shared commitment to student success.
How is Commons Lane Advancing Literacy?
Commons Lane Primary School has made significant strides in its literacy instruction by adopting UFLI Foundations for phonics and Wit & Wisdom for comprehension and vocabulary. These Science of Reading-aligned curricula have brought structure and consistency to their literacy efforts.
We think we have the best phonics program out there. We spent last year getting teachers proficient in it, and we’re already seeing a lot of data movement trending in the right direction. This challenge will accelerate that progress.
David Murray, Chief Academic Officer
The school’s approach to literacy is data-driven, using tools like Star Early Literacy assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction. This real-time data helps teachers provide targeted support and adjust instruction to meet individual needs.
“The real catalyst for student success is needs-based small groups and progress monitoring,” explained Stephanie Martin, Principal. Following a recent visit to a high-performing school, the team identified small group instruction as a key focus area to boost reading outcomes.
Commons Lane also emphasizes engaging parents in their children’s literacy journey.
“A shift we’ve made is how we educate parents. Instead of saying, ‘your child was red on the giant MAP-like test, we’re saying we want your student to read this many words per minute by this date,’” Martin continued.
“We need to clearly communicate grade-level expectations and activities parents can do at home,” Murray said. This partnership with families ensures that literacy development continues beyond the classroom.
What Defines Success?
For Commons Lane, success is clearly defined: 90% of students read fluently by the end of second grade. This ambitious goal drives their daily instruction and interventions.
We’re a K- 2 building. If I can send them out of here with nothing but that [reading on grade level], I would know that they could be successful in any of their endeavors because they’re able to access text, different subjects, and content areas.
Stephanie Martin, Principal
“We essentially just want to eliminate the risk of reading failure for as close to 100% as possible. We want reading to be the easiest part of their day,” said Murray.
Looking Ahead
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge has brought renewed energy and focus to Commons Lane.
“It’s reaffirming to know that what we’re doing is working,” said Martin. “We have learned a lot, and this has shined a light on parent involvement for me as a principal and how big that’s going to be for us.”
As Commons Lane Primary School continues on this two-year journey, they are not only improving outcomes for their students—they are setting a model for literacy success that can inspire other schools. With dedicated educators, proven strategies, and the support of The Opportunity Trust and Emerson, Commons Lane is ready to lead the way.
Follow us on LinkedIn to see more updates throughout the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge.
Four Schools Selected for $1 Million Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
