Literacy United

What is Literacy United?

Literacy United is a partnership between Trident United Way (TUW), University of Florida Lastinger Center, Charleston County School District (CCSD), Mt. Zion Elementary and local community leaders and philanthropists intended to provide teacher training and early reading intervention to students at Mt. Zion Elementary School on Johns Island. The intervention uses proven methodology and evaluation implemented by Trident United Way and the University of Florida Lastinger Center in the three year Reading By Third initiative.  

Objective of Literacy United

The Literacy United intervention aims to increase the number of students reading at grade level by third grade, a significant literacy milestone where a child transitions from learning to read to reading to learn. The negative impact of not reading on grade level by third grade has long term implications to graduation rates, workforce development and the economic development of the Tri-County area.

University of Florida Literacy Initiative (UFLI)

The University of Florida Literacy Initiative of the Lastinger Center (UFLI) system trains teachers in how to best select literacy materials for leveled reading intervention, conduct reading records, work with Elkonian boxes, manipulate sounds and provide research-based prompts in small literacy group instruction. The UFLI method consists of four intervention components: gaining fluency, word work, reading a new book and writing to read. 

UFLI provides continuous teacher professional development to instruct and guide teachers in assisting children in four areas of the UFLI method [ 1)Gaining Fluency and Measuring Progress; 2) Word Work; 3) Reading a New Book; and 4) Writing for Reading].  

Lastinger’s continuous training, modeling, and coaching sets the UFLI intervention apart from historical professional development and intervention programs by: 

• Offering ongoing digital and in-person technical support

• Providing small-group, monthly coaching/modeling sessions

• Creating relationships with both teachers and administrators through resource and information sharing and responsive quality improvements 

Literacy United Set for Success

Literacy United is a holistic approach, as it also will provide:

• Wraparound  services such as on-site AmeriCorps member to provide family engagement and support. 

• Date sharing agreements with CCSD to track student progress

• Trident United Way's over 75 years of backbone organizational experience

• School supplies for students to be prepared for the program