Sept. 29 is Chronic Absence Awareness Day in Arizona. About 1 in 4 students in grades 1-8 are chronically absent. It's an urgent challenge, but one we can solve together. Find evidence-based strategies: lithubaz.org/chronic-absence #ChronicAbsenceAwareness

Chronic absence means missing about two days a month, for any reason, and it adds up fast. In the early grades, that's enough to put kids behind in reading. The good news: it's solvable. lithubaz.org/chronic-absence #ChronicAbsenceAwareness #AZLiteracy2030

You can’t learn to read in a classroom you’re not in. A 1% increase in a school’s attendance rate was associated with a 1.5% increase in students passing AZ’s 3rd-grade reading assessment. That’s why reducing chronic absence is a priority of #AZLiteracyPlan2030

Tomorrow, state leaders from across the country share challenges, trends, & what's working in literacy policy and practice. Read On Arizona's Terri Clark joins to bring Arizona's perspective, including #AZLiteracy2030. Tues, Sept 22 | 12–1:30 p.m. AZ time leo.gradelevelreading.net/re…

Nearly every state passed a reading law, but in many places scores still haven’t moved. Policy sets the stage. What moves outcomes is coordinated, consistent implementation. That's the approach of #AZLiteracy2030. See the analysis from @educationweek: edweek.org/teaching-learning…

"Why not our kids?" Camp Mohave Elem. went from a 37% 3rd-grade reading passing rate in 2019 to 50% in 2024 (vs. 39% statewide), at a school where 84% of students are economically disadvantaged. The drivers: strong family engagement & support for teachers bit.ly/4iFsYEg

Stronger writing supports stronger reading - building vocabulary, comprehension, and foundational literacy skills. And it matters early. Via @hechingerreport learn about the shift toward evidence-based writing instruction in the early grades: hechingerreport.org/the-next…

"That was a complete game changer. It has definitely changed my whole outlook on teaching reading." —Joy Bruner, 1st grade teacher, DeMiguel Elementary, Flagstaff, on training in the science of reading. readonarizona.org/case-studi…

At Village Meadows Elementary in Sierra Vista, 65% of third graders passed the state reading test in 2024 vs 39% statewide, at a school where 85% qualify for free or reduced lunch. The drivers: coaching, aligned instruction, and data. See the bright spot bit.ly/4y6ESvo

Missed our @readingby3rd #GLRWeek webinar? The recording is now up. National research meets Arizona action in "Aligning Evidence With Results." Hear experts from the Center on Early Learning Success + national and AZ leaders on what's working: youtube.com/watch?v=R1I5eK7X…

Strong readers start with well-supported teachers. Part of state law since 2021, AZ's K-5 Literacy Endorsement gives early-grade educators coaching & tools grounded in the science of reading — a scale-to-succeed strategy in #AZLiteracy2030 youtube.com/watch?v=aAQvhg4_… @HeliosEdFnd

Partners in Count On Arizona are celebrating early numeracy on Aug 8 (Infinity Day). Join a free virtual screening of Counted Out on the deep connection between early numeracy, early literacy, and student success. Aug 8 | 1 p.m. AZ RSVP: watch.eventive.org/countedou… #Numeracy

Across Arizona, Read On communities are collaborating to improve early literacy. From 20 years of tutoring in Tempe to educator literacy training in Flagstaff, here's what local action and statewide alignment look like. Watch: readonarizona.org/news/read-…

How does Arizona fund early childhood? The Arizona Early Childhood Fiscal Map makes it clear. Newly updated through 2025, it maps 100+ federal & state funding streams: readonarizona.org/data-tools…

What does it take to move AZ from 36% to 72% of third graders reading proficiently by 2030? More partners doing what works & moving in the same direction. Watch our "Spring Into Action" convening for bright spots & progress across AZ readonarizona.org/news/sprin… @azedfoundation

AZ's early childhood funding more than doubled in 4 years to $1.6 billion. That funding has since fallen & is expected to keep declining. Our Early Childhood Fiscal Map shows leaders where those dollars flow to see the full picture & invest strategically bit.ly/4au5mO7

AZ's literacy challenge won't be solved overnight. But one strategy is already showing results: literacy coaches. Schools with a literacy coaching grant for three years saw reading proficiency rise 30% and at-risk students drop 51%. Via @azcentral:  azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

90% of Tempe PRE families report academic growth in their child. @MayorCoreyWoods & Director Tim Burch credit literacy coaching for educators as the 'vital component' in a new Tempe Tribune op-ed: bit.ly/4e3hfLX