Our Literacy Initiatives are strategically designed to advance the two Literacy Goals adopted in 2024, with a strong focus on student outcomes-focused governance.

The 2 Goals are as follows: 

Early Literacy: The percentage of 1st graders who are proficient in literacy based on iReady results will increase from 48% in June 2024 to 80% June 2030.

Literacy Intervention:The percentage of 3rd-8th grade students who are more than one year behind as measured by Smarter Balanced (SBAC) English Language Arts (ELA) who make more than one year's growth will increase from 30% in June 2024 to 50% by June 2030.

Education is the key to unlocking the boundless potential of our students, and A4 proudly leads the charge in advancing academic excellence and equity for Black students through our innovative initiatives.

As a trailblazer in education, A4 delivers impactful literacy, math, and leadership initiatives that produce measurable outcomes, effectively closing the academic achievement gap for African American and Black students. Our initiatives cultivate a supportive and empowering environment where students not only thrive academically but also build the confidence and skills necessary for lifelong success within Fresno Unified and beyond.

Below is an overview of our Literacy Initiatives, each designed to enrich the educational experiences and outcomes of our historically underperforming student groups. 

Early Literacy

Waterford Reading Academy (PK-2 Grade)

Waterford Reading Academy, an early childhood education nonprofit, collaborates with communities, schools, and families to improve literacy achievement. To enhance literacy support during the instructional day, A4 partnered with Waterford in 2022. This program focuses on helping transitional kindergarten through second-grade students, providing tailored resources and assistance to strengthen their literacy skills during school hours.

Literacy Intervention

Literacy Intervention (3-6th Grade)

We provide targeted, skill-based small-group literacy intervention during the school day, aligned to grade-level standards and focused on building strong foundational reading skills. This intervention is implemented at high-need school sites. 

Afterschool Reading (K-4th Grade)

The Afterschool Reading initiative is a 10-week long extension of our Summer Literacy initiative for K through 4th grade African American students. It allows students to receive one-on-one reading mentorship and support during the academic school year.

Summer Reading (K-4th Grade)

The A4 Summer Reading initiative in partnership with Springboard Collaborative is a 3-week literacy initiative for K through 4th grade African American students. It was established to replace the typical 3-month reading loss during summer months and accelerate our students that are below grade level to proficiency and above. It’s comprised of daily independent reading with a teacher, targeted small group lessons, writing, and family workshops to coach parents and guardians how to teach reading at home.

 

For more information about Literacy Initiatives, please contact Jacqueline Austin-Andrew at 559-457-3802