Literacy

Research suggests that reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a pivotal benchmark in a young learner’s educational development, which is why we consider it our “North Star” metric. Until third grade, students are learning to read; after that, they’re reading to learn.

Why This Matters

  • By 2036 about 70% of jobs will require more than a high school diploma.
  • Students reading on grade level are 3x more likely to pace on a college or career-ready track
  • Only 4 out of 10 Dallas ISD students are currently reading on grade level

Literacy Impact

91%

of tutored students increased their literacy progress score

95%

of Aspiring Teacher tutors earned their Associate Degree by high school graduation

62%

of tutored students grew by one full grade-level band

60,000+

books and counting distributed through U2L Book Bashes since the start of the program

Aspiring
Teachers

The U2L Aspiring Teachers program places tutors in Dallas ISD elementary schools. Employing education majors at higher education institutions and students enrolled in the Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools (P-TECH) as tutors helps create positive outcomes for all involved. Aspiring future teachers gain skills, knowledge,  and classroom experience while supporting student achievement and expanding teacher capacity in elementary schools. We are now hiring college students for the Spring 2026 semester. 

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U2L Book
Bash

A United to Learn Book Bash is a literacy initiative that provides each student with a new book and builds excitement around reading. Volunteers play a key role, transforming spaces into captivating themes like jungles or winter wonderlands and helping students find a book. Each Book Bash is a joyful experience that provides students with books and strengthens community bonds. Research suggests that a student needs at least 80 books in their home library to see significant gains in literacy achievement.

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Professional Development

Campuses receive custom literacy training sessions tailored to campus needs, with topics such as classroom engagement, early literacy, and writing instruction.

Our steadily rising scores in literacy achievement are a direct reflection of United to Learn’s collaborative investment.

Sonia Loskot
Dallas ISD Executive Director

To learn more about how we accelerate student literacy achievement, contact our Director of Literacy,  Marisol Rodriguez, [email protected].