Wichita State University (WSU) and its College of Applied Studies (CAS) continue to advance literacy across Kansas through targeted initiatives in structured literacy and teacher preparation. These efforts align with the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy legislation, ensuring that students and educators have access to impactful literacy education grounded in the Science of Reading.

The READ Initiative: Expanding Literacy Support

A recently awarded AmeriCorps planning grant from the Kansas State Department of Education will support the launch of the Reading, Equity, and Achievement Development (R.E.A.D.) Initiative, a program designed to provide structured literacy support in three elementary schools within the 67214 zip code—an area facing educational disparities such as low literacy proficiency, economic instability, and limited access to interventions. The grant-funded project, “Empower through Structured Literacy Interventions in Urban Schools: An AmeriCorps Applied Learning Initiative,” will lay the groundwork for this initiative.

The READ Initiative is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Kim Wilson, Professor & Coordinator of MAT in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Reading Specialist, and Structured Literacy Coordinator in CAS. She is joined by Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Heidi Stinchcomb, CAS Associate Dean for Research and Assessment; Dr. Jennifer Friend, CAS Dean; and Dr. Reagan Murnan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Teacher Apprenticeship Programs, Literacy, and Special Education (TALS) in CAS.

The READ Initiative will:

• Provide tutoring and small-group literacy instruction.
• Train and mentor AmeriCorps members (WSU teacher candidates) to implement structured literacy practices.
• Establish community partnerships to extend literacy support beyond the classroom.

By embedding structured literacy education in schools and community spaces, the READ Initiative aims to bridge foundational reading gaps and equip students with essential skills for long-term success.

The CLEAR Literacy Initiative

WSU’s College of Applied Studies is also launching the Collaboration for Literacy Education, Advancement, and Research (CLEAR)—a statewide hub for literacy research, educator training, and direct support for students and school districts.

Set to begin in spring 2025, CLEAR will:

• Provide structured literacy training for preservice teachers, in-service educators, and intervention specialists.
• Collaborate with school districts, higher education institutions, and community organizations to expand literacy access.
• Offer professional development to promote evidence-based reading instruction.

As part of the Blueprint for Literacy Kansas legislation, CLEAR will play a key role in strengthening literacy education by integrating teacher training, direct interventions, and research-based strategies to improve outcomes across the state.

Professional Development for Educators

WSU is also partnering with other Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) institutions and Washburn University to develop new graduate-level coursework for in-service teachers. KBOR has contracted WSU’s Office of Instructional Resources, under the leadership of Dr. Carolyn Speer, to design these professional learning courses. The courses will be available at a market-based, reduced tuition rate beginning in summer and fall 2025.

The courses will focus on:

• The science of phonics, oral language acquisition, and writing.
• Practical applications of structured literacy techniques in classrooms.
• Instructional coaching and feedback for continuous improvement.
• Interactive, research-based course content to enhance teaching effectiveness.

A Commitment to Literacy for Kansas

WSU’s teacher education programs have aligned literacy education with the Science of Reading framework for over two decades. By continuing to invest in literacy education through the AmeriCorps project, CLEAR initiative, and the Blueprint for Literacy, Kansas can close achievement gaps, increase reading proficiency and prepare future educators to foster student success for generations to come.

Blueprint for Literacy Infographic