Ensuring students master the foundational literacy skills they need for lifelong success
What is the Indiana Literacy Cadre?
Supported by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at the University of Indianapolis, and the Center for Vibrant Schools at Marian University, the Indiana Literacy Cadre is working to help Indiana’s students read proficiently by the end of third grade.
To achieve this mission, the Indiana Literacy Cadre develops and implements collaborative professional development for K-3* educators across the state based on the science of reading, a compilation of evidence-based research on reading, reading development, and reading instruction.
*The Indiana Literacy Cadre was initially established as a K-2 partnership. Cadre schools may expand this partnership to grade 3. Under the direction of the building principal and with support from the TSS, cadre coaches may support grade three literacy by co-planning for instruction aligned to the science of reading, assisting in data analysis, engaging in instructional coaching and/or coaching cycles, and engaging grade three teachers in the cadre school’s professional development.
indianas-priorities-for-early-literacy-final.pdfIndiana's Priorities for Early Literacy
View this PDF to learn more about Indiana's priorities surrounding early literacy.
Cohort Three of the Indiana Literacy Cadre
By joining Cohort 3, schools will:
Receive comprehensive support for leadership and instructional coaches in order to align instruction with science of reading.
Receive onsite and virtual support from a dedicated Literacy Training Support Specialist (TSS) from an Education Service Center (ESC) for the Cadre coach and administration in the implementation of the Cadre goals.
Receive financial support for an approved school-based Literacy Cadre coach (⅔ for first year and then ⅓ for second year).
Participate in summer training focused on science of reading and instructional coaching practice.
Receive additional training and support in ongoing, bimonthly virtual Collaboration Network meetings.
Receive supplemental curricular materials based on district needs.
Apply for the IDOE Formative Assessment Grant to offset cost associated with using an approved formative assessment tool.
Receive ongoing support and assistance in aligning instruction with science of reading.
By participating, schools agree to:
Submit a Literacy Cadre coach for approval by IDOE.
Engage in regular professional development throughout the year.
Align instructional practices with science of reading through coaching partnerships.
Administer Indiana-approved formative assessment tools during two-year cadre participation.
Administer IREAD-3 at grade two.
Protect your coach's time to ensure they can effectively support teachers.
Share data for the purposes of research, progress monitoring, and program evaluation.
Strategic Initiative Leaders
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) is collaborating with the University of Indianapolis Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) and the Marian University Center for Vibrant Schools to provide high-quality, evidence-based support and training to schools implementing the science of reading.
With extensive experience and success in education, CELL has been a leader in organizing schools and supporting innovative educational practices for over 20 years. CELL’s mission is to partner with schools and communities to improve outcomes for students of all ages by leading to sustainable education innovation and transformation across Indiana.
The Center for Vibrant Schools offers a variety of services including compressive-student support, school-improvement programs, and educator training and professional development opportunities aimed at strengthening student-learning outcomes. Since launching in 2021, the Center for Vibrant Schools has served more than 35,000 students in over 250 schools across Indiana and Ohio through three distinct programs: City Connects, Educator Outreach and Literacy Programs, and Marian University Preparatory School.
