Early literacy, which DPS defines as reading, writing, speaking and listening, is essential to building a strong foundation for success in school and in life.

We are pleased to share the Early Literacy 2020 Plan, which was created to help us meet our Denver Plan 2020 goal of ensuring that 80% of our students attain literacy proficiency by the end of third grade.

Research shows this third-grade reading proficiency goal is critically important — students who reach this benchmark are four times more likely to graduate than those who don’t.

We all have important roles to play and the early literacy plan includes strategies that involve school leaders, teachers, literacy partners, parents and the community.