Holyoke Public Schools is one of 15 school districts across the state to receive funding to support early literacy initiatives through the Partnership for Reading Success in Massachusetts (PRISM) program.
The funding is intended to ensure that public schools, educators, and teachers have access to high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction through literacy materials, technical support, coaching, and professional development.
“In the first year of the grant, with expert support, an HPS early literacy leadership team will review our entire approach to early literacy, examine areas where we need to strengthen implementation, and develop a refined early literacy plan,” said Executive Director of Academics Rebecca Thompson. “A robust early literacy system of support includes high-quality core literacy and tiered intervention for students who need it, so we will review what we have in place and where we need to improve.”
Early literacy is one of five key priorities in Holyoke Public Schools’ strategic plan. The district has been focusing primarily on grades K-2, including high-quality instructional materials, training leaders and teachers on strategies aligned with the Science of Reading, and a robust data collection system.
“Ultimately, this grant’s impact could mean all HPS students have more significant and tailored opportunities to hit the crucial reading milestone of reading at grade level by third grade, which we know is a key predictor of future success,” Ms. Thompson explained. “Additionally, beginning this fall, HPS will have the opportunity to apply for more funding to support parts of the early literacy plan. Our plan could include opportunities such as professional development, high-dosage tutoring, literacy staffing, and high-quality instructional materials and assessments for all tiers of learning for our PreK-3 classrooms, dual language programming, and our community preschool partners.”
Districts selected to receive PRISM funding will receive professional development, support to create partnerships with community-based preschool providers to align evidence-based early curriculum, instruction and assessment across the community, and funding for early literacy screening assessments, coaching support and to cover staffing costs for roles like literacy coaches or reading specialists through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Department of Early Education and Care.
“The PRISM grants are designed to help districts build sustainable structures to make lasting improvements in early literacy across the Commonwealth. These structures will continue supporting student success long after the grant period ends,” said Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston.
“Early education is where the literacy journey starts for our youngest learners. Literacy Launch, and these first round of grants, build on our investments in local partnerships that create more equitable, consistent and quality learning experiences across our diverse mixed delivery system, closing the learning gap before children enter school and setting students up for school and life success,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw.