Nationwide Effort to Improve Literacy Rates Among Black K-12 Students
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a significant investment of $179 million in grants to states that support evidence-based programs to accelerate academic achievement, building on the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal to improve academic achievement nationwide.
Nationwide Impact on Black K-12 Students
Biden-Harris’ investment in supporting academic acceleration is a significant step toward potentially improving educational outcomes for Black K-12 students nationwide. This funding focuses on literacy development and the enhancement of state assessment systems, both critical areas where Black students — historically underserved — have faced significant disparities.
With $149 million allocated to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program, Black students could benefit from improved access to high-quality literacy resources. Given that systemic inequities often result in lower literacy rates among Black students, these funds could empower states and school districts to offer targeted support, helping bridge the literacy gap and promote educational equity.
Additionally, the nearly $30 million in Competitive Grants for State Assessments (CGSA) could help create more equitable assessment systems. Black students often face challenges with traditional standardized tests that may not accurately reflect their abilities or provide timely feedback. These new assessment models could offer real-time insights, allowing teachers and parents to better understand and support each student’s academic journey.
Where Will The Grant Funding Be Allocated?
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant (CLSD) – $149 Million
The CLSD grants are designed to advance evidence-based literacy practices. The Biden-Harris Administration has awarded over $149 million to 23 state educational agencies.
These funds will help students reach critical literacy milestones — including ensuring that students are reading at grade level by third grade, a key indicator of future academic success. They will also help ensure that every student, particularly those from underserved communities, has access to high-quality literacy instruction and materials.
Additionally, the grants will help fund partnerships between K-12 schools and local universities to provide targeted literacy interventions, early care, and educational support. They will also underwrite tailored support for schools, districts, and early education programs to implement evidence-based literacy instruction, promoting long-term academic achievement.
Competitive Grants for State Assessments (CGSA) – $30 Million
The CGSA grants are focused on developing and implementing high-quality, innovative assessments. Nearly $30 million has been awarded to 10 state educational agencies to help states design more instructional, personalized, and relevant assessments to students’ learning processes, developing assessments tailored to the needs of students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
The grants will also allow states to improve how assessment data is used, making it more practical for teachers, parents, and students to guide academic progress. They will also help create assessment systems that align with state academic standards and focus on measuring high-order thinking skills, ensuring equity and inclusion in the assessment process.
Conclusion
The investment in literacy development and state assessment systems is a significant step toward promoting educational equity and improving academic outcomes for Black K-12 students. By providing targeted support and resources, states and school districts can help bridge the literacy gap and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant?
A: The Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant is designed to advance evidence-based literacy practices, ensuring that students have access to high-quality literacy resources and instruction.
Q: What is the purpose of the Competitive Grants for State Assessments?
A: The Competitive Grants for State Assessments are focused on developing and implementing high-quality, innovative assessments that provide real-time insights and support academic progress.
Q: Who will benefit from this investment in literacy development and state assessment systems?
A: The investment will benefit Black K-12 students, particularly those from underserved communities, who face significant disparities in literacy rates and educational outcomes.
Q: What is the timeline for implementing these grants?
A: The grants will be implemented over the next several years, with states and school districts working to develop and implement evidence-based literacy interventions and assessment systems.
Q: What is the total amount of funding awarded for this initiative?
A: The total amount of funding awarded for this initiative is $179 million, with $149 million allocated to the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant and nearly $30 million allocated to the Competitive Grants for State Assessments.
