The Center for Literacy & Learning

Sponsor Spotlight | Platinum Sponsor

We're proud to recognize Amplify as a Platinum Sponsor of Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® 2027!

Amplify Education partners with educators to deliver high-quality, evidence-based curriculum, assessment, and intervention programs that help every student build strong literacy skills. Their commitment to the Science of Reading is helping transform classrooms across the country.

Thank you to Amplify for supporting Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® 2027. We look forward to seeing your team in New Orleans this February!

Learn more: amplify.com

📚 Back to school means getting back into routines, filling up calendars, and planning for the year ahead. Make sure Plain Talk is on yours!

Join us in New Orleans for three days of professional learning you won’t find anywhere else at Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® 2027.

Connect with educators from across the country, learn from leading voices in literacy and learning, and leave with evidence-based strategies and ideas you can put into practice.

📅 February 24–26, 2027
📍 New Orleans

Make Plain Talk your professional learning trip of the year!

Register today: mycll.org/plain-talk

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2027 Alice Thomas Scholarship!

Established to honor the legacy of a passionate literacy advocate, the Alice Thomas Scholarship helps remove financial barriers so more educators can experience the learning, collaboration, and connection of Plain Talk About Literacy and Learning®.

The scholarship will provide one recipient with complimentary registration to Plain Talk 2027 plus up to $500 in travel reimbursement.

If you’re committed to strengthening literacy instruction, supporting struggling readers and students with learning differences, and putting what you learn into practice, we encourage you to apply!

📅 Applications close September 15, 2026.
📍 Plain Talk 2027 | February 24–26 | New Orleans

Learn more and apply at mycll.org/plain-talk.

Something exciting is coming for Louisiana schools! 👀

This school year, we're introducing a new way to support schools that are strengthening partnerships with families and making family engagement a priority.

Whether you're just beginning the work or already leading the way, there will be a place for your school. 💜

Stay tuned. The big reveal is coming soon!

Sponsor Spotlight | Platinum Sponsor

We're proud to recognize 95 Percent Group as a Platinum Sponsor of Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® 2027!

95 Percent Group LLC is dedicated to improving literacy outcomes through evidence-based instructional materials, intervention resources, and professional learning rooted in the Science of Reading. Their work equips educators with the tools they need to help every student become a successful reader.

Thank you to 95 Percent Group for supporting Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® 2027. We look forward to seeing your team in New Orleans this February!

Learn more: 95percentgroup.com

📚 Fact Friday | Back-to-School Edition

Showing up every day matters.

Research shows that missing too many days during the first month of school is one of the strongest predictors of chronic absenteeism later in the year.

Creating a consistent morning routine now can help students stay engaged, build positive habits, and succeed academically.

✅ Set bedtime routines.
✅ Pack backpacks the night before.
✅ Plan transportation ahead of time.

Explore family resources from Attendance Works to help build successful school routines.

Literacy doesn't stop at the classroom door.

Strong family partnerships can help:

📚 Connect home and school literacy experiences
🎵 Share stories, songs, and traditions
🌎 Celebrate diverse cultures and backgrounds
❤️ Build lifelong literacy habits

Together, families and educators create stronger literacy outcomes for children.

📋 Part of our series.

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

Mark your calendars! The Alice Thomas Scholarship application opens August 12.

This scholarship provides educators with an opportunity to attend Plain Talk About Literacy & Learning® 2027 and experience three days of evidence-based literacy learning, nationally recognized speakers, and practical strategies that make an impact in classrooms.

Learn more and access the application when it opens: mycll.org/plain-talk