The District of Columbia defines literacy as the ability to talk, listen, read and write leading to the ability to communicate and learn. It is a combination of skills in vocabulary, receptive and expressive language, phonological awareness, knowledge of print, comprehension and printed materials.

Literacy DC puts action to the District’s commitment to providing an inclusive approach to literacy to ensure all students become successful readers. In the District of Columbia, all learners ages birth through grade 12 will have access to high-quality literacy instruction and early literacy experiences. The foundation of Literacy DC is the DC State-wide Comprehensive Literacy Plan (CLP), which serves as a blueprint for Local Education Agencies (LEAs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and nonprofit organizations to utilize in the development of their own Local Literacy Plan (LLP).

Literacy DC also includes the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant, awarded to OSSE by the US Department of Education in September 2020. This five-year, $16 million grant will be leveraged to support early language and literacy skills, increase the number of students reading on grade level in grade 3 through high school, and improve literacy outcomes for disadvantaged and traditionally underserved children and students throughout the District.

For questions about Literacy DC, please contact [email protected].