#United States #California #literacy #UnboundEd

UnboundEd Launches Free Guide for California Literacy

UnboundEd, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational instruction, has launched an invaluable resource titled "Empowering Early Literacy: A Guide to TK-5 Instructional Materials for California Districts." This initiative is designed specifically to assist school districts in California in selecting high-quality literacy curricula tailored to the needs of students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade.

Created through collaboration with literacy experts from renowned organizations such as CORE Learning, EdReports, and the English Learners Success Forum, the guide provides districts with actionable insights for evaluating literacy materials that foster engaging and effective learning environments. Given that data indicates less than half of California's students meet grade-level reading expectations by the third grade, the importance of this guide cannot be overstated.

Addressing Educational Needs

This guide is instrumental in helping districts assess their current literacy materials' effectiveness. It presents a well-researched framework that links reading acquisition with writing and oral language skills, distinguishing it from other resources available on the market. A notable feature is its emphasis on text quality, early literacy program design, and alignment with dual-language instruction, which are essential for supporting diverse learning needs.

Maya Goodall, Chief Strategy Officer of CORE Learning, highlighted the urgency of this issue, stating, “The alarming data about reading proficiency, especially among multilingual learners and those with dyslexia, serves as a crucial call-to-action. We must redirect this trend by appropriately meeting students where they are.”

The guide's development underscores a commitment to equity in education, providing tools for educators to understand and address the distinct challenges their students face.

Collaboration with Experts

The Empowering Early Literacy guide has received endorsements from leading literacy experts across California. Its creation emerged from the collaboration of the California Curriculum Collaborative (CalCurriculum), which combines the efforts of EdReports and UnboundEd to facilitate the adoption of instructional materials conducive to California's educational context.

The guide underwent pilot testing across a variety of districts and charter networks within California, successfully representing diverse student demographics and geographic areas. The collaborative nature of this effort has culminated in a comprehensive, research-backed framework aimed at ensuring that district leaders can confidently invest in literacy instruction that adheres to best practices and ultimately fosters student success.

Practical Guidance

Dale Webster, PhD, President of CORE Learning, expressed pride in the guidance provided, stating, “California’s students possess immense strengths and capabilities. Our guide offers practical assistance for districts to harness these assets and maximize literacy potential.” With California Governor Newsom's budget highlighting a commitment to improving literacy and mathematics outcomes, there is a pressing need for educational professionals to have access to the right resources for informed decision-making on curricula.

For more information regarding UnboundEd and their commitment to supporting California educators in adopting exemplary instructional materials, visit their website at UnboundEd.

As UnboundEd continues to champion educational excellence, their work across more than 40 states presents a powerful opportunity to transform instruction for every single student, contributing to a brighter future.

About UnboundEd

UnboundEd strives to empower educators to fulfill the diverse needs of all students through engaging, affirmative, and meaningful instruction known as GLEAM®. Their ongoing endeavors and partnerships with various school districts and educational organizations create a conduit for much-needed change in instructional practices.

For press inquiries, please contact:
Stephanie Grau, FINN Partners, [Email] – contact information available upon request.