Dover, Del. — Governor Matt Meyer and Secretary of Education Cindy Marten have launched the Delaware Early Literacy Plan, a statewide initiative designed to ensure all students read on grade level by the end of third grade. The plan was announced during the opening session of a statewide professional learning day for educators. The plan outlines enhanced supports and resources to provide clear and consistent instruction, ensure every K–3 classroom uses research-based reading materials, and implement early checks to identify students who need additional support. According to officials, the initiative marks a major step in improving early reading outcomes in Delaware. Marten said the plan focuses on practical supports for teachers, including strong daily instruction, protected time and coaching, team teaching models, and full engagement of families. “This is about daily practice—what happens in every K–3 classroom, every day,” she said. Marten added that her team will work alongside educators and school leaders to support and celebrate progress.
Governor Meyer’s FY2026 budget includes $8 million for early literacy investments and $3 million for teacher-selected classroom literacy resources. “When I declared a literacy emergency, it wasn’t to make headlines, it was to make change,” Meyer said. “Delaware students deserve better and so do our teachers. Now we are focusing on what works.”
The Delaware Early Literacy Plan is built around four statewide priorities. Every K–3 classroom will use high-quality instructional materials aligned to the Science of Reading. Students will receive universal reading screeners three times a year, and teachers will use classroom-based checks to adjust instruction in real time. All early literacy educators will complete training, including LETRS, AIM Pathways, or Early Literacy Leadership Academy, and receive ongoing coaching linked to daily lessons. The Delaware Department of Education will also support schools piloting team-teaching models to increase individualized support. Principals and literacy leaders will receive direct coaching, and statewide site visits will celebrate successes, identify barriers, and follow through with plans. Families will receive a statewide Family Literacy Toolkit with book lists, nightly reading ideas, and multilingual resources.
Additional actions include hosting the Delaware AI in Education Summit on November 8 to explore classroom-ready tools, providing 25 Reading Assist tutors in high-need schools, and offering up to $7.2 million in Bridge to Practice grants to support evidence-based literacy practices. Through a partnership with DonorsChoose, teachers can order up to $750 in classroom literacy materials, curated with input from Delaware educators. Stephanie Ingram, president of the Delaware State Education Association, praised the initiative, saying, “Students flourish when professional educators are given the time, resources, and support to meet the needs of every child. I want to thank Governor Meyer and Secretary Marten for making literacy instruction a priority.”
The Delaware Department of Education will monitor progress through teacher participation in training and coaching, classroom observations and support visits, and student growth measured by reading checks and assessments. Officials said they will celebrate successes, address challenges, and continue working with schools to ensure students reach grade-level reading benchmarks.
Photo: education.delaware.gov
