The Cornerstone of All Learning
Literacy is the cornerstone of all learning and is vital for student success both in school and beyond. The ability to read and write proficiently opens doors to broader educational opportunities, empowers students to fully engage in their community, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.
Early Literacy Proficiency is Crucial
Early literacy proficiency by the third grade is essential for a child’s academic success and future opportunities.
Research, including a pivotal study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, shows that students who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to excel in higher grades and complete high school. Achieving proficiency by third grade is critical as it is the point where students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Those who lag in reading skills may struggle to cope with increasingly text-intensive curriculums in later years.
Ensuring that students reach this key literacy milestone by third grade supports their continued educational success and opens up broader career opportunities in the future.
Transforming Early Literacy Initiative (TELI)
The Transforming Early Literacy Initiative (TELI) is a strategic partnership between the Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools, supported by the Helios Education Foundation and other partners.
TELI was launched in the 2022–2023 school year to address low reading proficiency among young learners in some of the county’s most under-resourced schools. Originally piloted in 12 elementary schools within HCPS’s Transformation Network—which serves the district’s most vulnerable and chronically challenged schools—the initiative has since expanded to 16 Title I schools in the 2025–2026 school year, reflecting both its impact and growing demand.
A Targeted, Data-Driven Approach
TELI employs a data-driven support model that includes:
- Full-time literacy coaches
- In-class support and job-embedded training for educators
- Modeling, co-teaching, and common planning sessions
By improving the quality of literacy instruction and building educator capacity, TELI ensures that students develop the reading skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.
By the Numbers: TELI’s Growing Impact
Real Classroom Results
Over the course of three years, the kindergarten readiness gap was eliminated for students showing the greatest need at half of participating schools.
Kindergarten students improved by an average of 4 points on the STAR Early Literacy test, climbing to the 42nd percentile and surpassing the on-grade-level benchmark of 40.
“Our early education teachers are gaining knowledge weekly and have the opportunity to apply their new learning with added support. The support you have been providing to our staff and students has been invaluable.”
– Jennifer Heinze, Principal, Edison Elementary Community School
To support Hillsborough Education Foundation in promoting the importance of early literacy throughout Hillsborough County, please consider making a donation.
