Indian River Schools Receive $200K Grant for Early Literacy

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – The Indian River School District (IRSD) has been awarded more than $200,000 through Delaware’s Bridge to Practice Grant.

Leaders say the funding supports the Delaware Department of Education’s continued commitment to early literacy. In Oct. 2025, the department outlined four key focus areas to ensure all students achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade.

The grant enables IRSD to expand and enhance professional learning opportunities for teachers and school leaders. Specifically, the funding will allow IRSD to:

• Provide Early Literacy Leadership Academy training for school-based leadership teams to strengthen literacy practices at the classroom level.
• Offer AIM Literacy Training: Pathways to Proficient Reading to 40 educators, deepening their understanding of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy.
• Launch “Unlocking Literacy: SoR in Action for ALL,” a comprehensive professional learning series beginning in Feb. for all K–3 teachers and instructional staff.