The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge seeks to engage 3-4 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) from St. Louis City and County in a two-year, immersive learning experience. Participating LEAs will have access to $20,000 in planning grants and up to $250,000 in implementation funding, with accompanying expert support. This initiative will connect LEA teams with the latest research and best practices in literacy instruction, aiming to bridge the gap between Science of Reading research and practical implementation by providing participants with the tools needed to implement proven literacy strategies that drive student success.

Applications will be evaluated along four dimensions:

• Representative LEA Team: We seek diverse, motivated, mission-driven teams composed of change-agents who demonstrate the ability to execute and deliver impact for students and communities. Successful LEAs will have teams that represent the perspectives of parents, teachers, building leaders, central office decision-makers, instructional coaches, and their school system governing board. Tactically, LEA Teams are expected to have between 5-10 team members, and should consist of a Core Team (e.g., principal, educators, head of literacy) and Broader Team (e.g., superintendent, CAO, parents, school board, other stakeholders). 
• Knowledge & Implementation of Best Practices: We seek LEAs with a baseline knowledge and understanding of the “The Science of Reading,” who are looking to take their literacy journeys to the next level. We are looking for LEAs that have successfully implemented innovative practices, and have fostered a culture of continuous learning. Successful LEAs will have already begun their literacy journeys, and are utilizing green-rated curriculum (according to EdReports), phonics, etc. 
• Readiness for Change: We seek LEAs that are fully prepared to embrace change and make significant shifts to how early literacy is being implemented in classrooms. Successful applicants will display a growth mindset, a willingness to innovate, openness to feedback, and willingness to make mid-course corrections as the pilot and implementation unfolds. 
• Data Driven Culture: We seek LEAs with a track record of monitoring results to track student achievement and practicing data-driven decision-making. Successful LEAs will have clear examples of using data to drive continuous improvement. 

Application Process:

Submit an Application Today!

Select LEAs will be invited to interview the first week of October.