New State Funding Now Available To Target K–12 Literacy Crisis in Illinois
In July 2023, Illinois lawmakers recognized poor reading proficiency across the state and amended the Illinois School Code to create the state’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan and address the reading crisis. However, that legislation did not include meaningful reform of literacy initiatives. As a result, state legislators did not mandate educators follow or implement the plan’s literacy instruction best practices.
The Illinois Policy Institute states it is time for Illinois to follow the lead of other states, such as Mississippi, Florida, and Colorado, to implement proven literacy reforms to upgrade literacy achievement throughout the state. In 2024, only 31 percent of Illinois third grade students met or exceeded reading proficiency standards on the end-of-year assessments. Students are struggling and reforms are necessary to ensure students receive the literacy instruction and support they need as stated in the Comprehensive Literacy Plan.
The state’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan, written in 2023, has three primary goals:
- GOAL 1: Every student receives high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction
- GOAL 2: Every educator is prepared and continuously supported to deliver high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction
- GOAL 3: Every leader is equipped to create, maintain, and sustain equitable conditions for high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction
New Funding
After the disappointing results of the 2024 assessments, state leaders wanted to accelerate reform and intervention in literacy instruction by providing $116.3 million in new funding to supplement these existing programs:
- Federal 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds provided in 2024
- Teen Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope (REACH) funded through Illinois Department of Human Services
- After School Programs Grant funding school district-based programs
- Reimagine Public Safety Act for youth development inclusive of after-school
All of this funding supports after-school and summer learning opportunities, primarily serving low-income K–12 students who are considered high risk. The new funds are to be used for academic enrichment and positive youth development by enhancing literacy instruction statewide, ensuring access to developmentally appropriate and evidence-based instructional practices.
Targeting literacy instruction addresses the need for improvement, linking literacy to significant social outcomes and the necessity for equitable instruction for all students including those with dyslexia and other reading disabilities and English language learners.
Supporting Literacy Educators
The Illinois Reading Council is a statewide organization supporting literacy educators who are empowering students’ lives through literacy. Purposes of the council include:
- To improve the quality of reading instruction at all levels
- To provide a local and statewide network of teachers and administrators associated with literacy issues
- To stimulate and promote literacy research
- To disseminate knowledge helpful in the solution of problems related to reading
Available Resources From Voyager Sopris Learning
Although there is not a state mandate for literacy instruction because every district leader is allowed to choose their own methods and materials, every resource used in support of a school’s continuous improvement plan related to ELA, must be based on the comprehensive literacy plan developed as part of Public Act 103-0402.
Literacy educators are being encouraged to use proven evidence-based materials that have been used successfully in other states. These three programs from Voyager Sopris Learning® have helped improve literacy outcomes in multiple states.
Voyager Passport® is a research-proven intervention for grades K–5. Through a blended, teacher-led format, students receive explicit and systematic instruction in the five essential components of reading, plus language and writing. Voyager Passport accelerates student literacy achievement by targeting critical skills and providing strategies learners need to become fluent, on-level readers. The program can be used for students in Tier 2 and Tier 3.
LANGUAGE! Live® is the comprehensive literacy intervention for struggling students in grades 5–12 to help them reach literacy success, and is on the approved list of literacy interventions. Grounded in the science of reading, it is a proven success. With a blend of teacher-guided and online instruction, LANGUAGE! Live creates pathways for automatic word and text reading while simultaneously and strategically developing advanced literacy skills.
REWARDS® is a powerful suite of short-term reading and writing interventions for struggling learners in grades 4–12. Designed specifically for adolescents, these interventions are research- and evidence-based. They focus on helping students decode multisyllabic words and comprehending content-area text. With explicit, teacher-led instruction, REWARDS provides students with new skills to become successful readers.
These products will aid Illinois literacy educators to support the state’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Help students achieve reading proficiency by scheduling your Voyager Passport, LANGUAGE! Live, or REWARDS demos today!
