"When we have a student reading on grade level in third grade, we keep them reading on grade level.
That's life changing for them because when they go to middle school, so many more doors open for them."
Transforming early education in Florida through the Pinellas Early Literacy Initiative
Prioritizing third-grade reading proficiency delivers measurable gains for Pinellas County’s youngest learners and their teachers
The Pinellas Early Literacy Initiative (PELI), developed by the Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools, with support from Helios Education Foundation, is a program in Florida that aims to improve early literacy outcomes among Pre-K and K-2 students in Pinellas County.
The Initiative was launched in response to data revealing gaps in kindergarten readiness and reading proficiency and prioritizes evidence-based instruction and professional development to equip educators with essential tools to improve student success.
Today, the PELI program is active in 16 Title I elementary schools within the Pinellas County school district and 16 community-based Pre-K providers. The program places a strategic emphasis on closing literacy achievement gaps, particularly for low-income and minority students, by strengthening foundational skills during critical early learning years.
PELI aligns closely with Helios’ mission to create opportunities for individuals to achieve a postsecondary education and its strategic focus on third-grade reading proficiency as a critical milestone for long-term success. Research shows that students who read proficiently by third grade are far more likely to succeed academically, graduate high school , and pursue postsecondary education. Helios recognizes the pivotal role of early literacy in closing the achievement and opportunity gaps, particularly for low-income and underrepresented students.
- Michael Feeney, Executive Director of Elementary Education of Pinellas County Schools
Educators participating in PELI receive professional development, classroom coaching, and collaborate through “communities of practice” to ensure they of integrate the science of reading and evidence-based literacy practices into their instruction and teacher development.
Key goals of the program include increasing kindergarten readiness rates, raising reading proficiency levels, and narrowing disparities in ELA-Reading outcomes for Black students.
Since its launch in 2021, PELI has helped increase third-grade reading proficiency in Pinellas County from 50% to 67%, a direct result of strengthening early literacy instruction. By investing in educators and aligning instructional practices across public and private Pre-K providers, the program is ensuring early literacy gaps are addressed swiftly, laying the groundwork for student achievement and a stronger more equitable education system.
*As of December 2024, PELI has expanded into 18 schools in Pinellas County.