The Delaware Early Literacy Plan is for kindergarten through grade 3 students.
The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) 2025-2028 Early Literacy Plan provides a clear, statewide strategy to strengthen reading instruction, support educators, and ensure every child becomes a confident reader. The plan is about people, not programs, and brings together educators, families, communities, and state leaders around a shared commitment to improving literacy for all Delaware students.
The Early Literacy Plan serves as the roadmap for strengthening early reading instruction statewide. The plan further advances DDOE’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes strong academic foundations for every learner.
Every child reading – and reading well.
Statewide Priorities
Progress in key areas that strengthen literacy:
- Strong Classroom Instruction
- Every K–3 classroom uses high-quality instructional materials aligned to the Science of Reading.
- Screeners and diagnostic assessments identify student needs early.
- Educator Support
- All K–3 teachers complete state-approved professional learning aligned to the Science of Reading.
- K–3 school leaders participate in the Early Literacy Leadership Academy (ELLA).
- Schools provide time for coaching and collaborative planning.
- Strong School Structures
- Schools protect daily literacy instruction blocks.
- Educators use student data to guide instruction and support.
- Family Engagement
- Families receive clear updates on student reading progress.
- Schools provide literacy toolkits and resources for families.
- Schools and communities promote reading at home.
Key metrics
Indicators to measure progress and strengthen literacy outcomes:
- Increase third-grade reading proficiency from 38% to 53% or higher by 2028.
- Third grade is a critical milestone in a student’s academic journey. Today, Delaware faces a literacy crisis with only 38% of third graders reading on grade level.
- Reaching 53% by 2028 will require strong instruction, sustained educator support, and partnerships with families and communities.
- Reduce reading achievement gaps for:
- Multilingual learners
- Students with disabilities
- Students experiencing poverty
- Ensure 100% of K–3 educators are trained in evidence-based reading instruction aligned to the Science of Reading.
Transparency and Accountability
Progress toward Delaware’s literacy goals will be shared publicly through:
- A public Early Literacy Dashboard
- Quarterly progress updates
- An annual State of Literacy report
These tools will help educators, families, and communities track progress and stay engaged in Delaware’s statewide literacy effort.
Family Resources
- Delaware At-Home Literacy Guide – Provides practical activities families can use to support reading and language development.
- Delaware Libraries – Provides library programs for adults, teens, children and families. Supports DDOE Summer Learning through the Summer Library Reading Program and provides FREE books for children birth up to 5 through the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program.
- Parent Information Center (PIC) of Delaware – Provides information and support about literacy and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for Delaware families to help them access related information and resources for their children.
Educator resources
Early Literacy Playbook – Provides practical tools and strategies for educators to strengthen reading instruction and support the goals of the Early Literacy Plan.
Early Literacy Resource Hub – Explore instructional tools and support for early literacy on Digital DE. Resources include instructional materials, classroom strategies, and implementation supports aligned to the science of reading.
Community Resources
- Delaware Literacy Alliance – Connects organizations and volunteers working together to strengthen literacy across the state.
- Delaware Readiness Team – A statewide initiative of volunteer based teams that strengthens communities at a local level and help children from birth through age eight get ready for school and life.
- United Way DE/Campaign for Grade Level Reading – A collaborative effort by community partners, government agencies and business leaders to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship.
