Lancaster ISD Early Literacy Success: How Pre-K–3 Alignment Is Driving Student Achievement

Lancaster ISD is one of several districts in Dallas County that is part of the Best in Southwest Literacy Network, a group of ISDs working strategically and collaboratively to address early literacy gaps in grades pre-K through –3rd grade.

Research shows that students who can read by third grade are more likely to be successful in their academic journey, Lancaster ISD has tailored their early literacy startegies to best prepare their students to meet that milestone. By aligning strategy and instruction across pre-K through elementary, the district has been creating the conditions for strong literacy development before gaps have a chance to form.

“I know that if students get a strong foundation that their progression through school is just a little bit easier,” said Dr. Cassandra Baker, deputy superintendent of Lancaster ISD. "We made some commitments very early on here in Lancaster ISD that early learning and early literacy would be something that we would make some major investments in.”  

Through this approach, Lancaster ISD can treat early literacy as a developmental progression, not a set of disconnect grade-level experiences, so that each year builds intentionally on the last.  

Lancaster also strengthened its work by investing in dedicated early literacy leadership, including coordinators focused specifically on teaching foundational skills, provide targeted coaching to teachers, and ensure that early literacy practices are implemented consistently across classrooms.

“I can't begin to express the importance and value of having those coaches who are dedicated to just pre-K through second grade,” said Lynne Glenn, academic coordinator at Lancaster ISD. “We need to make sure that our K-2 kids are getting STAAR ready, but we don't get sucked away from those K through two teachers once STAAR season rolls around. We can continue our focus on early literacy and coaching those teachers and making sure that by the time those students leave second grade, they are going to be STAAR ready.”

Through strong systems, ongoing support and a clear focus on early literacy as a districtwide priority, Lancaster has moved beyond isolated initiatives to build a cohesive approach that is implemented consistently across campuses. Their work shows what is possible when a district commits to starting early, aligning deeply and supporting both students and teachers every step of the way.

Want to learn more about the Best in Southwest? Reach out to Devron Armstrong at devron.armstrong@commitpartnership.org.

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