Rural Literacy Acceleration Initiative

The Rural Literacy Acceleration Initiative (Grades K–5) is designed to support small, rural school districts. The goals of the Rural Literacy Acceleration Initiative are to accelerate literacy achievement for students in grades K–5, expand access to high-quality literacy tutoring opportunities in rural Oklahoma, and ensure that instructional practices are consistently aligned with the Science of Reading to maximize impact on student learning.

Qualifying districts will be defined as:

•  Fewer than 5,000 students
•  50 percent or more of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch

The purpose of this initiative is to provide targeted funding that establishes or enhances existing high-dosage literacy tutoring programs. Up to 100 districts will each receive $10,000 in grant funding, which may be used for teacher compensation and the purchase of high-quality instructional materials aligned with the Science of Reading. 

All expenditures must directly support the following:

• Small group instruction (3-5 students)
• In-person instruction with qualified teachers (not computer-based programs)
• 3 one-hour sessions per week
• Research-based instructional materials
• Instructional practices based in the Science of Reading 

Districts will be required to submit claims for reimbursement with appropriate documentation.

Apply at this link. Applications are due on October 1, 2025.

For more information, contact Christie.Barris@sde.ok.gov.