Resources to Foster Literacy

Every year, the global community comes together to celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8. Literacy for all is fundamental to learning, paving the way for access to inclusive education which gives more opportunities to those who are most vulnerable and marginalized around the world. We’ve highlighted a few essential resources to help foster literacy, foundational learning, and reading programs.

1. Learning from the Multi-Country Study on Inclusive Education
The Multi-Country Study on Inclusive Education (MCSIE) is the first major, multi-country effort by USAID to investigate what works in supporting children with disabilities to learn to read. The study derives lessons about what sustainably advances teaching and learning outcomes for children with disabilities in varying contexts. USAID and its partners will use this information to inform adaptations to its activities in Cambodia, Malawi, and Nepal, as needed, and plan for new inclusive early grade reading programming globally.

2. Reading and Literacy Online Learning Module
Dive into this learning course designed to support practitioners, teachers, and experts with knowledge and evidence from research on reading and literacy as well as insights into program design and implementation.

3. USAID Pre-Primary Framework: All Children Learning
This framework details an ideal pre-primary education system that focuses on three key levels for consideration for pre-primary learners: Schools and Learning Spaces, Families and Communities, and Delivery Systems.

4. Improving Systems for Reading Instruction
Designing high-quality programs that teach reading is essential for learners to attain academic success. USAID’s Reading MATTERS tool highlights seven components for reading instruction.

5. The Importance of Language of Instruction
Teaching children in a language they use and understand—including sign language—can strengthen and support a child’s literacy skills. This resource examines two tools that address language issues in programs and policies: the Reading MATTERS Conceptual Framework and the Handbook on Language of Instruction Issues in Reading Programs.

6. The Importance of Accessible Learning Materials
Children with diverse learning styles often face barriers to education. This resource examines the types of materials—textbooks, interactive games, and assistive devices—that can foster an inclusive learning environment. USAID and its partners developed the Universal Design for Learning to Help All Children Read toolkit which offers guidance on using the accessibility of learning materials.

7. The Global Book Alliance
The Global Book Alliance (GBA) is a partnership of donor agencies, multilateral institutions, and civil society organizations committed to bringing books to every child in the world by 2030. The GBA provides free access to valuable resources, such as the Global Digital Library, an open-source library with learning materials in 100+ languages, and guidance on how to strengthen book supply chains.

8. Commitment to Action on Foundational Learning
The Commitment to Action is a formal way for countries around the world, and the global education community, to demonstrate a commitment at the highest political levels to securing foundational learning for all children and to implement policies aimed at achieving targets under the Sustainable Development Goal 4.