# data[].attributes.body
Go to the box that says "Literacy" to find all of our webpages:

Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant

Dyslexia

Early Literacy Grant

English Language Arts

K-5 Literacy Endorsement

Literacy Professional Learning

Move On When Reading

Secondary Literacy (Middle and HS)

Science of Reading

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning begins at birth and continues throughout every stage of life. The Academic Standards team oversees the standards for learning for children and students in Arizona from birth to high school graduation. The Academic Standards team leads standards work across the state by writing, revising, and implementing the standards with different stakeholders. This team provides professional learning opportunities, resources, guidance, and technical assistance to build educator and caregiver capacity in best practices across the birth through twelfth-grade continuum. The Academic Standards team leads state-level work related to early childhood, literacy, computer science, educational technology, English Language Arts, history and social sciences, math, science, and world and native languages. Academic Standards Annual Report FY23
Teachers Institute and Leading Change 2024 Conference

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Academic Standards Banner.png Learning begins at birth and continues throughout every stage of life. The Academic Standards team oversees the standards for learning for children and students in Arizona from birth to high school graduation. The Academic Standards team leads standards work across the state by writing, revising, and implementing the standards with different stakeholders.

# data[].attributes.headline
ELA District PD for School Year 2025-2026!

# data[].attributes.subject
ELA District PD for School Year 2025-2026!

# data[].attributes.body
Fill out the request form!

# data[].attributes.body
1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) LETRS for Early Childhood and LETRS for Administrators training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov if interested.

# data[].attributes.headline
Register for the Arizona Literacy Road Show!

# data[].attributes.subject
Register for the Arizona Literacy Road Show!

# data[].attributes.body
Register by May 24. Tempe is full, but Coolidge is an easy drive!

# data[].attributes.headline
Special Guest: our very own Maggie Velazquez, New MOWR Portal Sneak Peek

# data[].attributes.subject
Special Guest: our very own Maggie Velazquez, New MOWR Portal Sneak Peek

# data[].attributes.headline
AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading - Secondary - cohort for SY25-26!

# data[].attributes.subject
AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading - Secondary - cohort for SY25-26!

# data[].attributes.body
Click to sign up for the waiting list for this upcoming school year!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Easily create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.

# data[].attributes.body
👀 Looking for resources and support for secondary ELA and adolescent literacy?📚

Look no further! Check out the Adolescent Literacy Hub I've created to share support and resources for secondary educators in AZ and beyond. You can click the 🔔 to be notified when new resources are added!

# data[].attributes.body
Please sign up ASAP!

# data[].attributes.body
Click here to be notified when registration opens!

Shareable postcard

# data[].attributes.body
💻 Register now: search for "literacy week"

👉 Share this flyer with your colleagues!

# data[].attributes.headline
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.subject
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers' Institute and Leading Change Conference | Arizona Department of Education

# data[].attributes.body
Subscribe to ELA team email updates!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Arizona Department of Education's Move On When Reading committee is c ontinuously reviewing literacy core, intervention and support programs used with Arizona's K-3 students. We are committed to vetting reading curricula used in Arizona to ensure that the list provided to LEAs on our website complies with all MOWR updates. Currently, the core program list will undergo review in January 2024 to make certain that all programs have efficacy studies that meet ESSA Tiers of Evidence 1, 2, or 3. As curricula is vetted, the program will change from grey to green on our website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ADE K-12 ELA Updates - Upcoming PD and more! July 2024 by Lauren Spenceley M.Ed. - ADE | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for educators, businesses and more

# data[].attributes.body
For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

# data[].attributes.body
For questions regarding the DTD grant, please reach out to Katie Lewis.

Guidance on the DTD Grant

Important dates:

Grant opens - 7.1.24

Last day LEAs can apply - 5.1.25

Funds must be used by - 6.30.25

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Arizona Department of Education is focused on the importance of teaching children to read. Progress in reading development begins with Arizona's teachers implementing systematic and explicit instruction across all the elements of reading, including following the MTSS process of tiered instruction. The legislation in A.R.S §15-704 is designed to help identify students with characteristics of dyslexia so interventions can be in place.

ADE is pleased to announce as of Wednesday, July 13, 2022, we have allocated more than $1.8 million to Arizona schools and the grant will be closed. The grant is to help offset the cost of training for the Dyslexia Training Designee required for each K-3 campus. We are hoping to secure more funding for the FY24 to further support educator training. The grant was first come, first served and carryover is not allowed. For more information, please reach out to Maggie Velazquez.

Contact Information: Maggie Velazquez, Dyslexia and Literacy Intervention Specialist, 602-364-1843

Dyslexia Definition - Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) 15-701 (K)

"Dyslexia" means a specific learning disorder that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Dyslexia Training Designee
Dyslexia Training Designee Approved Trainings and Guidance
As required by ARS 15-211, the Dyslexia Training Designee (DTD) can be any Kindergarten through Third Grade teacher on a given campus. Any campus that serves K-3 students must identify at least one DTD for that campus. This list provides information on the required approved dyslexia trainings. The DTD needs to have completed the trainings by July 1, 2022. Each vendor submitted materials that had to meet requirements of the legislation per the RFI process. Those learning opportunities that met the requirements were shared on the final list. Vendors who would like to apply for the Dyslexia Training Designee RFI need to email Maggie Velazquez for additional information.

**Please note, trainings must be provided by vendor. Trainer-of-trainer models will not fulfill the requirements.

**Please also note, these trainings do not remove the Dyslexia Deficiency on teaching certificates. More information about the Dyslexia Deficiency can be found on the K-5 Literacy Endorsement webpage.
Dyslexia Training Designee PLC
Calling all school-level Dyslexia Training Designees. The ADE ELA team presents Quarterly PLC Meetings for the Dyslexia Training Designee. Please join our quarterly Dyslexia Training Designee PLC, hosted by Maggie Velazquez, Dyslexia and Literacy Intervention Specialist. This is your opportunity to meet with other DTDs in Arizona to collaborate, share, and discuss roles and responsibilities of being your school's DTD. We will build this DTD Professional Learning Community to help support one another in this amazing role, "Dyslexia Training Designee". Please note you do not have to have your DTD trainings completed to attend.

Participants must register for each quarterly event in APLD to receive professional development credit. Each participant will receive 1 hour of PD credit. Microsoft Teams link will be accessible in APLD events, once registered. Register - use search term "dyslexia"

Dates: September 20, 2022 November 8, 2022 February 28, 2023 April 18, 2023

Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener
Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener Approved List and Guidance
During 2021-2022, schools are reviewing and selecting a screener from the Approved Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener list, with full implementation by July 1, 2022. This screening process meets both Move On When Reading and Dyslexia legislation, and will be the tool used to complete the MOWR Literacy Plan and assessment data submission for fall, winter, and spring. ADE allows for additional vendor submissions for this RFI through the year with the close date of December 1. Vendors who would like to apply for the Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener RFI need to email Maggie Velazquez for additional information. After December 1, the ADE team will review all submissions to assure the tool meets/continues to meet Arizona Statute. The Approved Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener list will be updated and reposted by February 1 of each year.
Guidance Videos Approved Screener Videos:
Good Cause Exemptions to Retention
There are four good cause exemptions to retention for 3rd grade students who fail to meet the MOWR cut score. These apply if a student

Is an English learner or a limited English proficient student and has had fewer than three years of English language instruction; OR

Is in the process of a special education referral or evaluation and/or student has been diagnosed as having a significant reading impairment, including dyslexia; OR

Has an identified disability and has an IEP and the IEP team (including parents) agrees that promotion is appropriate;

OR Has demonstrated or subsequently demonstrates sufficient reading skills or adequate progress towards sufficient reading skills of the 3rd-grade reading standards as evidenced through a collection of reading assessments approved by the State Board.

Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) §15-701
Dyslexia Resource Guides
AZ Dyslexia Handbook
The Dyslexia Handbook is designed for teachers and administrators to help them recognize characteristics constant with dyslexia and how to aid students with dyslexia. Educators at all levels must have a deep understanding of reading to pinpoint gaps in student learning. This document also provides technical assistance to support families.
Dyslexia Family Resource Guide
The Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families provides an overview the definition of dyslexia, characteristics constant with dyslexia by age, and how families can their child with dyslexia. This resource guide also provides a helpful question and answer section.
Dyslexia Family Resource Guide (Spanish)
The Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families in Spanish provides an overview the definition of dyslexia ,characteristics constant with dyslexia by age, and how families can their child with dyslexia. This resource guide also provides a helpful question and answer section.
ADE Resources External Agency Resources
**The views and opinions expressed in any third-party resource do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and do not imply an endorsement by ADE.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dyslexia Logo 2023.png The Arizona Department of Education is focused on the importance of teaching children to read. Progress in reading development begins with Arizona's teachers implementing systematic and explicit instruction across all the elements of reading, including following the MTSS process of tiered instruction.

# data[].attributes.body
We are working on updating the website and hope to have it completed soon.

The annual grant report is due JUNE 1st and is open for submissions.

Funds should be used on SOR research and structured literacy resources and professional development.

Funds can be used for K-3 literacy coaches and those coaches and school administration may be eligible for our coaching training!

Questions or need support email: holly.herriges@azed.gov

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you to all who joined us for Office Hours this school year! We appreciate you so much!

Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
We will resume K-12 Literacy Office Hours in August 2025! Have a great summer!

# data[].attributes.body
The Project for Adolescent Literacy draws attention to the gap in the current literacy conversation around adolescent literacy. Created by educators to support educators who are working with older struggling readers, PAL will is working on identifying what works (materials, curricula, strategies, and supportive policies), and telling the stories of educators and students who have seen success. They have released a report with all of their current findings. Please check out the report!

# data[].attributes.body
Interest Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=y7ClWB9EukKloY_f0Fo__PXxEgfj-W1IjclHwbfY4hhURTM1WUxPUE9LQVJIRjc5OVM0R05OWDNXQy4u

# data[].attributes.body
Current PD:

Literacy Intervention in the Middle Grades book study is going so well! Please come join us!

Still offering "Assessing Secondary Writing" and "Secondary Striving Readers: Diagnose and Intervene" through May!

Visit APLD and use search term "secondary ELA" to find the latest offering: https://azed.geniussis.com/PublicWelcome.aspx

Reading Apprenticeship in Arizona Virtual Community of Practice

Waitlists:

AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading – Secondary - Interest Form https://forms.microsoft.com/r/nrDUGhF5WB

Adolescent Literacy Document Updates https://forms.microsoft.com/r/12fpSaZHPz

# data[].attributes.headline
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.subject
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers' Institute and Leading Change Conference | Arizona Department of Education

# data[].attributes.body
For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

# data[].attributes.body
2024-2025 MOWR Literacy Data Submissions for MOY were due by February 1st, 2025. MOY window is now closed, and EOY portal is open.

New portal coming SY26, updated Guidance Documents and trainings offered in July. Consider saving your rubric that was emailed to the LEA contacts as you will not have access to the current portal next year.

MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday of every month (May 13). We will not have one in June due to the roadshow, if you need any assistance, please reach out to me.

Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.headline
Register for the Arizona Literacy Road Show!

# data[].attributes.subject
Register for the Arizona Literacy Road Show!

# data[].attributes.body
Register by May 24

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.headline
Special Guests: Lauren Arrowood and Megan Cameron from Effective Teachers and Leaders

# data[].attributes.subject
Special Guests: Lauren Arrowood and Megan Cameron from Effective Teachers and Leaders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
To improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders through professional learning opportunities that are short on theory and long on practical strategies.

Our Goal

Our trainings will provide concrete actions you can implement the very next day to increase your effectiveness.

Effective Teacher and Leader staff work with schools and districts to provide guidance, strategies, and resources through in-person trainings here at the department or "on the road" out in the field.
We are here to support you.
Recent participants at our trainings had this to say:

"This has been the best and most useful professional training I have attended in my 8 years as an educator! I learned so much that I can't wait to implement in my classroom."

"[The Qualified Evaluator Training] was a wonderful and valuable experience for administrators at all stages of their career. It provided valuable information and tools. Not to mention, multiple opportunities to discuss and practice applying/using new information/techniques."

"I usually have hesitations about the quality of PDs...I'm leaving this PD energized to share this information with my admin and team...However, I will use these tools as soon as I get back to class."

"ADE's training on The Well-Managed Classroom was helpful and engaging. The instructors provided useful skills to apply in the classroom."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome to Effective Teachers and Leaders

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Effective Teachers & Leaders Banner 2.png Our PurposeTo improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders through professional learning opportunities that are short on theory and long on practical strategies.Our GoalOur trainings will provide concrete actions you can implement the very next day to increase your effectiveness.Effective Teacher and Leader staff work with schools and districts to provide guidance, strategies, and resources through in-person trainings here at the department or "on the road" out in the field.We are here to support you.

# data[].attributes.body
Easy to follow instructions for ELG annual report submission into EMAC

# data[].attributes.body
Office hours with Holly and Karen happening on Monday, April 14 @ 3:30

Simplified EMAC directions

Questions or need support email: holly.herriges@azed.gov

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

# data[].attributes.body
The Arizona Department of Education announces essential standards guidance for the 2025-2026 school year. Through stakeholder workgroups and public comment, the Department of Education announces the completion of the essential standards project. Essential Standards are individual standards selected to receive a greater proportion of questions on the AASA exam beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The AASA exam, administered in grades three through eight, is developed based on a standards blueprint approved by the State Board of Education that includes individual standards grouped into clusters and identifies an allocation of questions for each cluster. Identified Essential Standards will receive the maximum number of questions allowed by the standards blueprint. The state assessment will retain the same length and duration. ALL STANDARDS remain valid and subject to inclusion in each year’s AASA. For more information and to find details on Essential Standards for ELA and math in grades three through eight, please visit the ADE Essential Standards website.

# data[].attributes.body
P-3 Leadership Certificate Program -- Starts June 2025

To support administrators and leaders of the early grades, we are pleased to open applications to the 2025-26 P-3 Leadership Certificate Program. Now in its fifth year, the fully on-line program provides a rich curriculum grounded in child development, teaching and learning to support young learners, and both school- and district-wide strategies to ensure early learning and the early grades establish a sturdy foundation for school success. The Program also engages numerous practitioner-experts from across the country to provide the most current perspectives on this work.

Delivered over a 10-month period, the Program is designed to engage elementary school principals, school district administrators, and early care and education (ECE) leaders.

Enrollment is open to individuals or teams. Applications are due May 1; the Program begins June 1, 2025.

We will host a series of information sessions via Zoom to provide a real-time overview of the Program and answer any questions. Click here to view the dates/times and to register to attend.

For more information or to apply: Certificate, P-3 Leadership

# data[].attributes.body
The Arizona Department of Education English Language Arts team will be back on the road with the Arizona Literacy Road Show this June! Join us at a location near you!

REGISTRATION coming soon!

Dates/Locations:

Tempe – June 17

Yuma – June 19

Coolidge – June 24

Flagstaff – June 26

# data[].attributes.body
For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

# data[].attributes.body
This opportunity sponsored by the PDG grant includes:

1. a required 3-hour training (in person in Central Phoenix and virtual will be offered) on how to use Good Talking Words.

2. a kit (manual, posters, cards, reproducibles valued at $100).

All in-person training will be facilitated by Good Talking Words’ author, Lucy Hart Paulson.

In-person training options (Central Phoenix):

March 20 – 8:30

March 20- 12:30

March 21 – 8:30

March 21- 12:30

Teachers, please complete this registration form to secure your kit and training session. Once registration forms are received, we will send confirmation emails and calendar invites directly to the teachers.  Sessions are first come, first served. If sessions fill, we will reach out for other dates.

For more information on Good Talking Words, please visit their website at Good Talking Words - Social Communication Skills for PreK-1.

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.headline
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.subject
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers' Institute and Leading Change Conference | Arizona Department of Education

# data[].attributes.headline
Secondary Book Study - Starts March 20th!

# data[].attributes.subject
Secondary Book Study - Starts March 20th!

# data[].attributes.body
Discount Flyer: https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2025/01/LiteracyInterventionintheMiddleGrades.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading – Secondary - Interest Form https://forms.microsoft.com/r/nrDUGhF5WB

Adolescent Literacy Document Updates https://forms.microsoft.com/r/12fpSaZHPz

# data[].attributes.body
1) MOY data window is open and was due Feb. 1.

2) New portal coming SY26, updated Guidance Documents and trainings offered in July.

3) MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday of every month (April 8).

Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.body
The required annual report has been updated in the EMAC system

Funds can be spent on anything literacy-related and should be based on the science of reading research

Questions or need support email: holly.herriges@azed.gov

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

# data[].attributes.body
1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administrators training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we have started monthly Office Hours Support and will hold our next meeting on February 20th from 1-2pm. (download the flyer below)

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will be July 8-11. There are spots available; participants must have completed LETRS 3rd Ed. and passed all assessments with a score of 80% or greater.

# data[].attributes.body
Discount Flyer: https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2025/01/LiteracyInterventionintheMiddleGrades.pdf

# data[].attributes.body
AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading – Secondary - Interest Form https://forms.microsoft.com/r/nrDUGhF5WB

Adolescent Literacy Document Updates https://forms.microsoft.com/r/12fpSaZHPz

# data[].attributes.body
For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

# data[].attributes.headline
Special Guests: Dr. Anju Kuriakose, Director of Psychometrics, ADE Assessment team

# data[].attributes.subject
Special Guests: Dr. Anju Kuriakose, Director of Psychometrics, ADE Assessment team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Assessments Section is responsible for statewide assessment of students enrolled in Arizona public schools. The section works closely with educators in the development and administration of statewide assessments. All Arizona public schools, including district schools and charter schools, are required to properly administer state and federally mandated assessments.

Calendars for Statewide Testing

2022-2023 Statewide Assessments Infographics

For information about the Kindergarten Entry Assessment, please visit the Early Childhood Kindergarten Entry Assessment webpage.

Friday Focus Webinars 2022-2023

State Assessments

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Assessments Section is responsible for statewide assessment of students enrolled in Arizona public schools. The section works closely with educators in the development and administration of statewide assessments. All Arizona public schools, including district schools and charter schools, are required to properly administer state and federally mandated assessments.

# data[].attributes.headline
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.subject
2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers' Institute and Leading Change Conference | Arizona Department of Education

# data[].attributes.body
1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administrators training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we have started monthly Office Hours Support and will hold our next meeting on February 20th from 1-2pm. (download the flyer below)

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will be July 8-11. There are spots available; participants must have completed LETRS 3rd Ed. and passed all assessments with a score of 80% or greater.

# data[].attributes.headline
Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

# data[].attributes.subject
Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

# data[].attributes.body
The Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy course is currently FULL. We are working on opening enrollment and should be adding participants from the waitlist soon. Participants must have an active account in APLD to be enrolled. Please fill out the waitlist form: https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.headline
Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

# data[].attributes.subject
Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

# data[].attributes.body
The Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy course is currently FULL. Please fill out the waitlist form: https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
QRCode for Wait List for Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structure Literacy  (3)

# data[].attributes.body
1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we will start monthly Office Hours Support on January 23rd from 1-2pm.

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will be July 8-11.

# data[].attributes.body
Register: https://azed.geniussis.com/PublicWelcome.aspx

# data[].attributes.headline
Bright Spots with Tianna: MOWR Annual Report

# data[].attributes.subject
Bright Spots with Tianna: MOWR Annual Report

# data[].attributes.body
Visit Move On When Reading, and scroll down to "MOWR Annual Reports" to find the report for 2024.

# data[].attributes.body
For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

# data[].attributes.body
Funding is listed on website

Funds have been processed and have been pushed through to counties - so schools should receive soon

Money can be spent on anything literacy-related

No requirements to receive funds but an annual report is required

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

# data[].attributes.body
1) MOY data window is open and due Feb. 1.

2) New portal coming SY26, updated Guidance Documents and trainings offered in July.

3) MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday of every month.

Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.body
Register: https://azed.geniussis.com/PublicWelcome.aspx

# data[].attributes.body
Waitlist form:

https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

# data[].attributes.body
1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we will start monthly Office Hours Support in January.

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will begin Summer 2025.

# data[].attributes.body
1.) Reviewing literacy plans in the order they were received.

2.) Overdue notices have been sent.

3.) Beginning of year window has closed and will now need a manual submission.

4.) Middle of year data due Feb. 1.

5.) New portal pilot continues to move forward.

# data[].attributes.headline
Special Guests: Sophie Allen-Etchart and Erika Fallon, Read Better Be Better

# data[].attributes.subject
Special Guests: Sophie Allen-Etchart and Erika Fallon, Read Better Be Better

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read Better Be Better’s mission is to connect young readers and youth leaders to inspire a love of literacy and learning.

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
Michele, Tianna, Holly, and Maggie, along with several of our Foundational Literacy Coaches, are in Oklahoma City at the Excel in Ed National Summit! https://excelined.org/national-summit/

# data[].attributes.body
Waitlist form:

https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Copy of Pathways to Proficient Reading Course Slide

# data[].attributes.body
1.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available! Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

2.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but it's still a valuable training.

3.) Facilitator Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025

4.) Facilitator Cohort 2 will begin Summer 2025

# data[].attributes.body
Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.body
1.) Reviewing literacy plans in the order they were received.

2.) Overdue notices have been sent.

3.) Middle of year data due Feb. 1.

4.) New portal pilot continues to move forward.

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the Science of Reading! Science of Reading Logo 2023.png The Science of Reading is built on two fundamental truths:We were never born to read. Our brains are hardwired for speech, not print.The alphabetic principle is the foundation of our alphabetic writing system. It is fundamentally d…

# data[].attributes.body
Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available! Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

# data[].attributes.body
Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information. These will be hosted once a month on the second Tuesday of the month. There will not be an PD credit granted for these and registration is not required.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 281 557 486 454
Passcode: gxH2sm

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 480-420-4055,,499373574#   United States, Phoenix

Phone Conference ID: 499 373 574#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Learn More | Meeting options

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
LitHubAZ | Evidence-Based Literacy Strategies Resources Arizona

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
LitHubAZ is an Arizona-based orgination that uses evidence-based literacy strategies and resources to support student achievement.

# data[].attributes.headline
Special Guest: Lori Masseur, Early Learning Director, Read On Arizona

# data[].attributes.subject
Special Guest: Lori Masseur, Early Learning Director, Read On Arizona

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Stay Informed/Connect as a Resource

Sign up to receive timely early literacy information. Please select Organization from the first drop down and complete the short form if you would like to be included in the Resource Connect section on our website.
*Note: Organizations will be confirmed prior to listing; Read On Arizona reserves the right not to include an organization.

Founding Partners

For a complete list of collaborative partners click here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read On Arizona is our state's early literacy collective impact initiative, with strategic focus on school readiness and third-grade reading.

# data[].attributes.headline
Literacy learning in partnership with the Office of Indian Education!

# data[].attributes.subject
Literacy learning in partnership with the Office of Indian Education!