From Governor Meyer’s literacy emergency declaration to exciting community events, new reading resources, and media literacy initiatives—see what’s happening and how you can get involved!
Building a Stronger Future for Literacy in Delaware
Dear Literacy Champion,
Big things are happening for literacy in Delaware! Governor Meyer has declared a literacy emergency, and state leaders are launching bold reforms to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed. New resources are coming to libraries, schools are strengthening media literacy education, and exciting events are bringing our community together.
Thank you to those who are already helping move this work forward.Please share this newsletter on social media or forward it to someone who could help advance this critical mission.
Governor Declares Literacy Emergency, Calls for Immediate Action
Delaware’s literacy crisis is now a top priority at the highest levels of state leadership. Governor Matt Meyer and Secretary of Education Cindy Marten have declared a literacy emergency following the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores, which show significant reading challenges across the state.
“Today marks a turning point for Delaware. We have a literacy emergency, and it is time for shared accountability and unwavering support for every child,” said Governor Meyer.
Secretary Marten, a national literacy expert, is leading an action plan to improve literacy statewide. Expect to see major investments in reading programs, expanded professional development for educators, and urgent reforms to ensure every child has the tools to succeed.
📖 What’s next? We’ll keep you updated as the state rolls out its literacy plan in the coming months.
New Literacy Resources Coming to Delaware Libraries
Delaware libraries are receiving new early literacy tools through a partnership between the American Library Association and Mrs. Wordsmith! These resources—including workbooks, flashcards, and learning kits—will be available in libraries and youth correctional facilities across the state, helping young readers develop essential literacy skills.
📢 Want to learn more? Join State Librarian Annie Norman, Wilmington Mayor John Carney, First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney, and more as they celebrate this exciting initiative!
📍 When: Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 11:00 AM 📍 Where: Wilmington Public Library
With misinformation spreading rapidly, Delaware is strengthening its K-12 media literacy curriculum to help students distinguish fact from fiction and develop critical thinking skills.
Why it matters: 📌 Only 2 in 10 teens can correctly identify news vs. opinion. 📌 80% of teens report seeing conspiracy theories on social media. 📌 94% of teens believe schools should require media literacy education.
Now, Delaware schools are fully implementing media literacy standards to help students analyze digital content, question biases, and navigate the modern information landscape.
Explore our events calendar at DelawareLiteracyAlliance.org. Submit your own literacy event and join the spotlight of Delaware's vibrant literacy community.
Celebrate the Power of Reading: UWDE Literacy Week 2025!
February 24 - 28 | Inspiring Young Minds Across Delaware
UWDE Literacy Week 2025 is here, bringing authors, volunteers, and communities together to ignite a love of reading in young learners!
📖 What’s Happening? Author Visits – Local writers sharing their stories with students. Community Read-Alouds – Volunteers bringing books to life in classrooms. Book Donations – Helping kids build their own home libraries.
Why It Matters: ❗ Only 19% of Delaware 3rd graders from low-income families are proficient in reading. ❗ Early literacy is key to success—when kids struggle to read, they struggle to learn.
We know that literacy is the foundation of opportunity—for individuals, families, and communities. As Delaware takes bold steps toward a stronger, more literate future, your voice, your efforts, and your support make all the difference.
Together, we’re building a brighter future for literacy in Delaware—and it starts with you. Thank you for being part of this critical mission!
