Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
Guiding PrinciplesCriteriaSteering CommitteeInfo Session

The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge is a landmark literacy initiative backed by a $1 million investment from St. Louis-headquartered Emerson, the global automation technology and software company. This challenge aims at closing literacy gaps and ensuring children facing the greatest challenges in St. Louis receive the resources and support needed to achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade. 

The Emerson ELC 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.

Congratulations to the Selected School Teams!

We are excited to announce that Atlas Public Schools, Barbara C. Jordan Elementary – School District of University City, Premier Charter School, and Commons Lane Primary School – Ferguson-Florissant School District have been selected to participate in the $1 Million Emerson Early Literacy Challenge!

Over the coming months, these schools will participate in one-on-one coaching and attend expert-led learning events to develop literacy plans aimed at improving third-grade reading proficiency. Stay tuned for updates as these schools begin their 2 year journey making strides toward literacy equity for students.

Guiding Principles

  • Literacy is a human and civil right: All children are capable of reading proficiently by 3rd grade and doing so is foundational to success in school and in life.
  • Proficiency is possible with the right conditions and approaches: Applying Science of Reading research in classrooms creates the conditions for all students to thrive.
  • Collaboration is essential to accelerate improvement: The best solutions for St. Louis schools will be developed by education leaders who share their expertise, learn from promising practices, and engage parents and community as partners
  • Proof points will catalyze a greater collective sense of possibility:  Having local success stories is essential to sustaining the changes required at the school, system, and state level to ensure all children in our public schools can read proficiently by 3rd grade.

Application Criteria

  • Representative LEA Team: 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.
  • Knowledge & Implementation of Best Practices: Successful LEAs will have already begun their literacy journeys, and are utilizing green-rated curriculum (according to EdReports), phonics, etc.
  • Readiness for Change: 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: Successful LEAs will have a track record of monitoring results to track student achievement and practicing data-driven decision-making.

Steering Committee

The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge will be guided by a Steering Committee that includes local literacy experts and education leaders representing parent groups, higher education, the Missouri Department of Education, community-based organizations, and philanthropy.

  • Akberet Boykin Farr | Emerson
  • Chester Asher | Coalition with STL Kids
  • Gary Parker | Clark-Fox Policy Institute
  • Ian Buchanan | Nia Education Group
  • Julius Anthony | St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature
  • Kelly Pollock | Berges Family Foundation
  • Krystal Barnett | Bridge 2 Hope
  • Laura Vilines | St. Louis Teacher Residency
  • Lisa Greening | Turn the Page STL
  • Maxine Clark | Clark-Fox Family Foundation
  • Olivia Apsher | Missouri Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Shea Kerkhoff | University of Missouri – St. Louis

Resources

Download File
File Download | RFP

Request for Proposal
Download File
File Download | Info Session

Info Session PPT
Download File
Link | Info Session

Info Session Video
Download File
File Download | Press Kit

Press Kit

Key Dates

September 11 – September 26, 2024
ELC Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Application Open
The Emerson Early Literacy Challenge is a landmark literacy initiative backed by a $1 million investment from St. Louis-headquartered Emerson, the global automation technology and software company. This challenge aims at closing literacy gaps and ensuring children facing the greatest challenges in St. Louis receive the resources and support needed to achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade. Our hope is that this effort inspires the kind of collective learning and action needed to address this community crisis.
Learn More
September 16, 2024 @ 3:30 – 4:30
ELC Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Info Session
There will be an information session to answer questions on September 16th, from 3:30-4:30 pm CT via this Zoom link. The recording will be available afterwards.
September 26, 2024 @ 11:59 – 11:59
ELC Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Application Close
October 24, 2024
ELC Emerson Early Literacy Challenge Kick-off Event
1-day kickoff event for participating LEAs
November 1 – February 28, 2025
ELC Emerson Early Literacy Challenge
1:1 coaching and 3 additional learning events, including: 1-day cohort session in November 2-day learning site visit in late November / early December 1-day cohort secession in January
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