Missouri's DESE selects 80 agencies for $49 million literacy grant

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has announced the selection of 80 early learning programs and public schools to benefit from a $49 million grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program.

This five-year grant more than doubles the previous CLSD grant awarded in 2020. It aims to offer statewide opportunities for early learning programs and K-12 schools through DESE’s Read, Lead, Exceed initiative. The services provided will include professional development for administrators, literacy coaches, teachers, access to CLSD literacy specialists, and family literacy support.

“Literacy is one of DESE’s priority areas, which makes this grant opportunity particularly exciting to share,” said Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger. “This grant will provide our schools and early learning centers with the resources they need to continue promoting literacy in Missouri. Literacy is key to getting our students on their path to success.”

The Missouri CLSD program aligns with DESE’s Steps to Success state literacy plan. Its goal is to develop equitable systems of support for meeting children's literacy needs from birth through grade 12. Additionally, it seeks to enhance knowledge among local education agency leaders, educators, and pre-service teachers about evidence-based literacy practices.

More information about the CLSD grant can be found online along with a list of awarded early learning programs and K-12 schools.