Ask the Experts: Early Literacy

What is most important for people to know about early literacy?

“The need is urgent! TEA just reported that only 5% of children that couldn't read by 3rd grade caught up by 5th. According to Annie E. Casey Foundation, students are 4x less likely to graduate by age 19 if not reading by 3rd grade, and when compounded with experiencing poverty, they are 13x less likely to earn their diploma on time. Lacking a high school diploma leads to lower employment rates, lower wages and even higher incarceration rates.” - Carol Goglia

“Early literacy is a foundation for a child's lifelong learning. Because 90% of a child's brain occurs before kindergarten, experiences, play and relationships matter.  Caregivers and educators play a crucial part in stimulating children's development, by promoting early literacy--by engaging children in language-rich environments, reading aloud, encouraging meaningful conversations, and introducing age-appropriate books, toys and experiences.” - Olga Hickman

What is the biggest misconception about early literacy?

“A common misconception is that early literacy only involves teaching children to read.  In reality, it encompasses a broader range of skills, including language development, vocabulary, and a love for storytelling, which are equally important in building a strong foundation for reading.” - Tonya Coleman

“Early literacy (EL) is much more than knowing letter names and sounds. While reading is a crucial part of early literacy, it's not the only component. It's comprised of skills and abilities that serve as a foundation for later development. For young readers, oral language development is key. Talking, singing, and playing are components of early literacy that foster a solid footing for building vocabulary, phonological awareness print awareness and the listening skills that are critical.” - Olga Hickman

What are the strongest levers currently being pulled in the area of early literacy and where do you see areas of untapped potential?

“The strongest levers by far are legislative efforts to improve the quality of teaching of reading, focused on ensuring that all teachers are taught the most effective methods of teaching reading and that schools implement the most effective curricula for teaching reading. The untapped potential is at the university level, where professors in schools of education often ignore the research that has revealed the most effective strategies of teaching reading.” - Robert Rogers

“High-impact tutoring and high quality instructional materials are two proven practices being employed around the state. I see more opportunity around teacher training: when you get teachers the training and coaching they need, they are able to more effectively support the children that need it the most. That's why Catch Up & Read is investing in teachers.” - Carol Goglia

How can community members meaningfully engage with early literacy? What is one call to action?

“Community members can meaningfully engage with early literacy services by volunteering at local libraries, schools, or literacy programs.  A powerful call to action is to donate gently used books or organize book drives, ensuring that resources are accessible to all children in the community, fostering a love for reading.”  - Tonya Coleman

“I would want all of my fellow citizens to learn how well students are being taught to read at every level - starting with their own families, then their neighborhood school, their school district, and their state. The data is freely available. Once informed of this information, I hope most would agree with me that the current situation is both indefensible and irrational. We owe it to our kids to get this right.” - Robert Rogers

Tonya Coleman

Convening Director, Rev Partnership

Carol Goglia

President and CEO, Catch Up & Read

Dr. Olga Martinez Hickman

Executive Director, Bachman Lake Together

Dr. Robert Rogers

Physician; President of The Reading League of Texas