Literacy Academy Collective

Thank you EdUP Xcelerated Excellence for having us on your podcast. Episode #1 features LAC co-founder & Director of Community & Family Engagement Naomi Peña Stay tuned for episode #2!

On Friday, members of LAC traveled to the Woodstock Film Festival for the premiere screening of Left Behind documentary. Watching the film reminded us of all the trials we went through trying to advocate for a literacy focused public school. Anna Wild Toomey is an amazing story teller. She told our individual stories of true pain watching our children struggle and how it fueled our drive for change with true dignity. Also, watching Fatima and Aden’s real story of trying to get dyslexia support was heartbreaking. We hope that anyone who sees our story will be reminded that true change doesn’t happen easily but when change does happen, it’s that much sweeter. Stay tuned to additional screenings of the film.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2024 NEW YORK STATE PATH FORWARD TEAM RELEASES ACTION PLAN TO TRANSFORM LITERACY INSTRUCTION Read more: https://lnkd.in/eV3WythC

Great News-Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy is going to open in the Fall of 2025! We are looking for a person who wants to be a school leader for the second literacy academy school in New York City. https://lnkd.in/eEuYsMBP

When we were approached almost 5yrs ago to document our advocacy journey for an in district literacy public school we didn’t think much of it. For our story to seen by others is an honor. Catch the screening at the Woodstock Film Festival!

We have been hard at work this summer at LAC HQ! From welcoming new members to the LAC team to presenting at various forums and welcoming parents, we can’t be more thrilled to be doing this work. #1 LAC Team #2 LAC Summer Practicum kickoff in D1 with teachers from D7, D1 and D17 #3 & #4 Sweet Treat Incentives for the D1 summer rising students #5 Our Executive Director Ruth Genn and Ileana Infante from the NYS Governor’s Office discussing the NYS Action Plan at the Hunt Institute Convening #6 LAC moderated discussion at an UFT training session Naomi Peña Ilia Edwards #7 NYCPS Chancellor David Banks visits parents and staff at our D1 Summer Rising/Practicum site #8 & #9 South Bronx Literacy Academy Parent Orientation and welcoming all SBLA staff #10 PS 191 Parent Orientation for our LAC model classroom Just you wait what we have in store for Fall 2024!

We have been quiet this summer because we have been busy...post coming soon. In the meantime, Central Brooklyn Literacy Academy is coming to District 17 in September 2025! If you have been following our work and are interested in being a principal at CBLA, see post below! https://lnkd.in/esMvNcGi

Today was LAC’s first day of our annual summer practicum! Picture 1: We welcomed two additional members to the LAC team! Welcome Jayde & Shoshana! We are thrilled you are joining the LAC co-founders along with Kalyani and Pam. Picture 2: LAC planned an afternoon of activities for everyone to hear about our why, and get to know everyone. Picture 3: Welcome the Summer class of 2024! 33 educators joined us this year to bring structured literacy practices to students in Summer Rising and throughout the school year in 3 school districts. Thank you to NYC Department of Education Community School District1, PS 63 Star Academy, The Windward School, Trinity Church Wall Street, PAF Reading Program for partnering with us to do this work. We can’t do this work with you and for that we are deeply grateful. #literacyacademycollective #nycsummerrising #teacherprofessionalsevelopment #structuredliteracy #paf #trinitywallstreet #schooldistrictone #staracademy #windwardschool #academicsuccess #untilallcanread

We're excited to announce that Ilia Edwards, LAC co-founder and Director of Instruction, and Freya Sakamoto, LAC co-founder and Structured Literacy Specialist, have been selected to serve on the NY State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force as passed by the NY State Legislature, signed by the Governor and initiated by the New York State Education Department Commissioner. This task force will examine evidence-based screening methods, reading interventions, and educational supports for dyslexia and dysgraphia in students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Research suggests that up to one in five children may face dyslexia or similar phonemic awareness challenges, highlighting the urgent need for cohesive strategies in New York State. We're incredibly proud to have Ilia and Freya's depth of knowledge and experience recognized by NYSED. We know their contribution to help shape the educational landscape for these young learners will be invaluable. Keep an eye out for updates as they work towards meaningful change!

South Bronx Literacy Academy is hosting open house sessions. If you know families who may be interested, please share this information.