POLICY MAKERS

The Center for Literacy & Learning advocates for public policy and legislation that ensures everyone is empowered through literacy.

Our Four Pillars of Advocacy

  • School Readiness
    Ensure children start school with foundational skills like vocabulary and early language exposure that set the stage for all subsequent learning and reduce achievement gaps.
  • Student Proficiency
    Institute evidence-based instruction grounded in the science of reading and aligned to standards so that proficiency is not luck, but a predictable outcome for all learners.
  • Educators are Empowered
    Equip teachers with the training, resources, and ongoing support needed to deliver effective literacy instruction and adapt it to diverse student needs.
  • Families are Engaged
    Build a bridge between school and home, because when parents and caretakers are informed and involved, children’s literacy—and their motivation to learn—soars.

The Center is Leading Literacy Reform

In 2019, The Center helped launch Louisiana’s literacy transformation by leading creation of the Louisiana Literacy Advisory Commission. Since then, Louisiana has implemented one of the most comprehensive and ambitious literacy reform agendas in U.S. history—aligning legislation, teacher training, student supports, and family engagement under a unified, research-driven vision.
2019
2020
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2026

2019

ACT 223
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION:
To provide funding for Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund
ACT 394
STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Relative to pupil progression, deletes requirements for summer remediation programs and requires that pupil progression plans be made publicly available
SR 182
EARLY LITERACY
Requests the state Department of Education to create the Early Literacy Commission.

Impact of Reforms: Louisiana Turning the Tide

A Historic Comeback on the Nation’s Report Card

Louisiana is now one of only three states to fully implement all 18 Early Literacy Fundamentals. The impact is clear. In six years, Louisiana jumped from 50th in fourth-grade reading to 16th nationally. Fourth-grade reading scores now surpass pre-pandemic levels, making Louisiana one of only a few states to fully recover and advance in the post-COVID era.  

Today, Louisiana’s approach is a national model for how coordinated policy, practice, and community partnership can raise reading achievement and close opportunity gaps. 

When policy aligns with science and schools, student literacy thrives.

Literacy Starts With You

Every conversation, every book shared, every policy supported—it all adds up. Whether you’re a parent, educator, neighbor, or legislator, your actions can ignite a lifetime of reading success for a child.

At Home
Strong readers are built at home long before they open a textbook.

  • Read aloud daily with your child and talk about the story.
  • Build a home library or visit the public library regularly.
  • Play word games, sing songs, and encourage curiosity through conversation.
At School
Schools are the bridge between home and the broader world of learning.

  • Advocate for evidence-based reading instruction and the Science of Reading in classrooms.
  • Volunteer to read with students or help at literacy events.
  • Partner with teachers to reinforce reading skills at home.
In Our State
Policy decisions shape the resources, training, and opportunities available to every child.

  • Contact your legislators to support strong literacy laws and funding.
  • Join us for advocacy days at the Capitol and lend your voice to public hearings.
  • Stay connected with our policy alerts so you can act when it matters most.

Leading the National Conversation on Literacy

The Center for Literacy & Learning brought Louisiana's literacy success story to Washington, D.C., hosting the Blueprint for Literacy: A Capitol Hill Symposium. The event convened national education leaders, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to explore how evidence-based literacy policies and instructional practices are driving measurable student achievement.

For Educators

Empowering Educators, Enriching Communities: The Center for Literacy & Learning's Holistic Approach

For Family

Bridging the Gap: Empowering Families and Communities for Student Success