WILMINGTON, Del., – Delaware Secretary of Education Cindy Marten announced the Bridge to Practice competitive grant, a new initiative designed to help ensure that every child in the state is reading on grade level by the end of third grade. The grant is part of Governor Matt Meyer’s statewide literacy investment and will support districts and charter schools in implementing evidence-based literacy practices grounded in the Science of Reading. Funding will focus on adopting and using high-quality instructional materials, professional learning and student-centered coaching for educators, and innovative staffing models to increase student engagement and success.
Key priorities for the grant include comprehensive training for all prekindergarten through third-grade teachers completing LETRS Volume I and II or AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading training by the start of the 2027–2028 school year, professional learning aligned to high-quality early literacy instructional materials, participation in the Early Literacy Leadership Academy for key literacy leaders, piloting the Next Education Workforce™ model, student-centered coaching, and progress monitoring using Delaware’s Implementation Dashboard. Up to $7.2 million is available, and all districts and charter schools are eligible. Priority will be given to schools identified for school improvement and those with adopted instructional materials aligned to the Science of Reading. Schools piloting materials will also be considered. The grant timeline includes an informational session on October 7, an intent-to-apply deadline of October 13, and a full application deadline of November 14. Award notifications are expected on or near December 19, and funding will be available through June 30, 2026. Officials said the grant provides an opportunity to build sustainable systems that raise literacy achievement and transform instruction across Delaware.
Photo: delaware.gov