Transforming Literacy Instruction
We coach teachers in-person, virtually and through blended learning, stock classrooms, and provide workshops & seminars on research-based early literacy best practices to improve instruction so children become powerful, readers, writers and thinkers.
30 Years of Experience
Founded in 1988, CLI helps educators serving high-need student populations learn high-impact instructional strategies and nurture dynamic professional learning communities that continue the trajectory of improvement in schools.
Validated Approach
In 2010, CLI won a highly competitive $21.7 million Validation grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund to implement its program in 38 schools in four urban cities.
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Proven Impact
The American Institutes of Research report on a randomized control trial evaluation of CLI’s i3 Validation project found statistically significant results for our impact on teacher practice and student learning. Our approach and results are now part of the What Works Clearinghouse.
Supporting Educators
A teacher’s literacy instruction plays the most critical role in a student’s reading development, but many teachers fail to receive adequate training in this area. By helping educators learn high-impact instructional strategies and nurturing dynamic professional learning communities, CLI builds lasting capacity in teachers and principals over time.
CLI works with district partners to create sustainable organizational processes that continue the trajectory of improvement in schools. Building a teacher’s instructional expertise impacts student learning over the course of a teacher’s career.
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Trusted & Validated
For over 30 years, we have built on this foundation, continuing to grow and improve our methodologies to transform and strengthen classrooms, build teacher knowledge and capacity, and improve student literacy outcomes. Supporters can trust that their investments are valued and used to further the CLI mission, to transform early literacy.
Charity NavigatorWe’ve received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, which means we’re accountable, transparent, and financially healthy!
GuideStarSound fiscal management and a commitment to accountability and transparency have earned CLI a Gold Participant rating.
UPennUPenn’s Center for High-Impact Philanthropy identified CLI as on organization where charitable dollars can do the most good.
Support Equity In Education Today!
Children deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and learning to read is a critical step in that journey. Help us provide Black and Latinx children the high-quality & culturally sustaining literacy instruction they deserve.
Visit our donation page to learn about other ways to give.
Our Case for Support
Interested in learning more about Children’s Literacy Initiative? Check out our Case for Support for an extensive overview of our work, our national impact, and the students and teachers we serve.
Stay Informed!
Sign up for The Read, CLI’s quarterly
e-newsletter, for regular updates on our work with students and educators, inspiring stories from Literacy Champions in the communities we serve, and book recommendations to promote early literacy in school and at home.
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