Tennessee Literacy Success Act promotes foundational skills for third grade proficiency

Tennessee's commitment to improving early literacy is set to take a significant step forward with the implementation of the Tennessee Literacy Success Act (TLSA). During a recent meeting, officials reviewed the act's objectives and the upcoming annual literacy review process, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring that students achieve grade-level proficiency by the end of third grade.

The TLSA outlines comprehensive guidelines aimed at enhancing literacy rates across the state. It engages various stakeholders, including students, families, educators, and higher education institutions, to focus on foundational literacy skills instruction. This initiative is particularly important for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), which are now required to align their curricula with the foundational literacy standards established by the act.

These standards consist of six key components that will guide the preparation of future teachers and instructional leaders. The meeting highlighted that special education programs will be specifically addressed in the review process, ensuring that all instructional areas are adequately covered.

A crucial aspect of the TLSA is the annual standards alignment review, which mandates that EPPs provide evidence of instructional alignment with the foundational literacy standards. Should any misalignment be identified, a corrective action plan will be required. The results of these reviews will be made public through annual reports and EPP report cards, promoting transparency and accountability.

As Tennessee continues to see growth in English Language Arts (ELA) TCAP scores, the TLSA aims to build on this momentum. The focus on foundational literacy skills is expected to yield positive outcomes for students, ensuring they are better prepared for academic success. The next steps involve refining the review plan to enhance the effectiveness of the TLSA, reinforcing the state's dedication to fostering literacy among its youngest learners.