LMS Awarded Historic $4.5 Million Grant from TDOE for In-School Literacy Tutoring
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 28, 2022) – The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has announced Literacy Mid-South (LMS) is one of five community-based organizations across the state selected to receive a Tennessee Accelerating Literacy and Learning Corps (TN ALL Corps) Community Partner Grant. TDOE has awarded LMS $4.5 million to serve 3,000 1st-5th grade students attending Memphis-Shelby County Schools and area public Charter schools with free, in-school literacy tutoring.
The grant, the largest in the organization’s history, will enable LMS to bring a well-proven strategy for supporting literacy development to thousands of elementary students at a critical time.
Following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) data showed 86% of 3rd grade MSCS students were missing the critical skills necessary for them to achieve success. Research consistently shows that high-dosage tutoring programs are a proven way to catch students up who have fallen behind academically.
“This funding is coming at a pivotal time for our community and our organization,” said Sam O’Bryant, Executive Director of Literacy Mid-South. “As we near our 50th year providing literacy services to the Mid-South, this infusion of funds from TDOE is catalyzing our efforts to ensure Shelby County students receive the critical literacy skills necessary for them to achieve success.”
“We are grateful to the Tennessee Department of Education for this unprecedented support of Literacy Mid-South’s work,” said Dr. Chandra Alston, incoming Board Chair of LMS. “On behalf of our staff and board, we are thrilled to be named one of five organizations selected to receive a TN ALL Corps grant based on our proven history bringing literacy resources, services, and collaborative partnerships to the Memphis community.”
Tutoring will be provided in a High-Dosage, Low-Ratio format, with students working in small groups with a 1:3 tutor to student ratio; student groups will meet three times per week for 45 minutes per session.
To support this program, LMS will be hiring a cohort of 45-90 tutors per semester with an average pay of $25 per hour, along with 5 Tutor Support Managers and a Program Director. Individuals interested in learning more about the Manager and Director positions should visit www.literacymidsouth.org/about/job-openings/. More information about the tutor positions will be available soon.
Combined, the five organizations receiving TN ALL Corps grants will provide free tutoring services to up to 18,000 Tennessee students. More information about the TN ALL Corps program is available here.
About Literacy Mid-South
The mission of Literacy Mid-South is to provide literacy resources to learners of all backgrounds and ages. The breadth of this work encompasses a number of programs and goals, all working towards one end: 100% literacy in the Mid-South. Through a combination of strategies including collaborative action, capacity building, resource distribution, and tutoring services, LMS works to ensure learners across the lifespan have access to the literacy resources they need to live their best life. Learn more about Literacy Mid-South and the organization’s programs here.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, please contact Sam O'Bryant at (901) 436-9003 or sobryant@literacymidsouth.org.