The Center for Literacy & Learning

Help us continue Alice's legacy by supporting the scholarship fund today.

"I have been dreaming of attending Plain Talk for years." - 2025 Scholarship Recipient

Thanks to the Alice P. Thomas Scholarship, that dream became a reality for one educator.

After attending Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning®, the recipient shared:
"I had high expectations, and the conference did not disappoint. It was an amazing experience."

The Alice P. Thomas Scholarship helps remove financial barriers so educators can access high-quality professional learning, connect with literacy experts, and bring new knowledge back to their students and schools.

Every gift helps open the door for another educator to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact on students. Donate here: https://www.mycll.org/plain-talk

The countdown to Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® 2027 is on!

Before any announcements are made, we want to know:
Who do YOU think will be our 2027 keynote speakers? Drop your predictions in the comments below. ⬇️

Will it be a familiar Plain Talk favorite? A leading voice in literacy? A classroom educator making a national impact?

Did you know? The term "summer learning loss," often called the "summer slide," refers to the decline in academic skills and knowledge that can occur when school is out for the summer.

Research shows that consistent reading and learning opportunities during the summer can help students maintain literacy skills and start the new school year stronger. ☀️📖

Just a few minutes of reading each day can make a big difference. That's why summer reading programs, library visits, family read-alouds, and literacy activities are so important for keeping young minds engaged all summer long.

Source: Northwestern Evaluation Association (NWEA)

We're proud to see Louisiana's literacy leadership recognized by national education partners.

A recent ExcelinEd in Action spotlight highlighted Louisiana's efforts to strengthen student outcomes, including HB 316 and HB 271, two important measures The Center for Literacy & Learning was proud to support during the 2026 Legislative Session.

These policies reinforce Louisiana's commitment to evidence-based literacy practices and ensuring every student has the strong foundation needed to succeed.

Read more: https://excelinedinaction.org/2026/06/04/louisiana-advances-literacy-career-pathways-and-student-opportunity/

Strong literacy starts with a print-rich environment.

Children learn that print has meaning when they are surrounded by books, labels, signs, charts, and classroom displays that reflect their experiences and cultures.

✔️ Access to books and printed materials
✔️ Labels, charts, and signs
✔️ Student work displays
✔️ Diverse and culturally relevant materials

Small changes can make a big impact on early literacy development. 💙

📋 Part of our series.

💙 Love this resource? Contact Jennifer McLain at [email protected] to learn more.

The feedback from Caldwell Parish educators highlights the impact of the Growing Reading Brains Early Childhood experience. 💙

Through meaningful, evidence-based professional learning, educators are gaining practical strategies to support literacy-rich learning environments for young learners. 📚

Louisiana’s youngest learners continue to make powerful progress!

The latest K-3 literacy screener results from LDOE show that 66.2% of students are now reading at or above grade level, with kindergarten students demonstrating the largest gains. These results reflect the dedication of educators, school leaders, families, and partners across the state who are working together to ensure every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader.

The Center for Literacy & Learning is proud to support this important work and celebrate the progress being made in homes, classrooms, and communities across Louisiana.

Louisiana Department of Education
https://doe.louisiana.gov/about/news-releases/release/2026/06/08/louisiana-k-3-reading-proficiency-climbs-16.5-points-during-2025-2026-school-year

Increasing dedicated instructional time is associated with improved student achievement.

Research shows that adding as little as 30 minutes of focused instruction each day can lead to meaningful academic gains over the course of a school year. When paired with effective teaching practices, that time helps reinforce key skills and support long-term student success. 💙

At The Center for Literacy & Learning, we support evidence-based strategies that strengthen instruction and help students reach their full potential.

Join us as a sponsor or table sponsor for the 2026 Literacy & Learning Gala and help support literacy and learning across Louisiana.

📅 August 27, 2026
📍 National WWII Museum | New Orleans

Sponsorships and table sponsorships are now available.

Contact Lindsey Vicknair at [email protected] or visit mycll.org/gala to learn more.