Delaware Awards $7.1 Million to Strengthen Early Literacy in 28 Districts and Charter Schools
The Delaware Department of Education announced on October 5 that it is awarding more than $7.1 million in a second round of Bridge to Practice grants to 28 school districts and charter schools statewide, aimed at strengthening literacy instruction for children from birth through third grade in the 2026-27 school year. The funding will support professional learning for educators, adoption of high-quality instructional materials, instructional coaching and school leadership development, helping schools put the science of reading into classroom practice. The program's first round, awarded in March, totaled $6.1 million, bringing the combined investment to more than $13.2 million — one of Delaware's largest commitments to early literacy in recent years. Secretary of Education Cindy Marten said early reading is the foundation of student success and that the state will keep backing teachers with materials, training and coaching. Research consistently links reading proficiency by third grade to later academic outcomes, and Delaware hopes the grants will narrow early gaps between children of different family backgrounds. For Chinese-American families with young children, the funding means local districts will be adding reading materials and teacher-training resources worth watching.
(Source: Delaware Department of Education)
Source: Delaware Department of Education
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：志愿者在小学课堂为学生朗读绘本。摄影：Marny Malin，美国陆军官方照片，公有领域，来源：Wikimedia Commons
