Bridge to Practice

The Bridge to Practice and Success for Students: Early Literacy Projects is a competitive grant opportunity offered by the Delaware Department of Education to support public school districts and charter schools in implementing evidence-based early literacy instruction aligned to the science of reading. This initiative aligns with Delaware’s broader literacy vision, which prioritizes ensuring that every student reads at grade level by the end of third grade. The purpose of this grant is to build sustainable systems and structures that support educators and leaders in adopting and skillfully implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and professional learning aligned with evidence-based practices. Funded through the state’s Literacy Emergency Fund appropriation under Delaware House Bill 225, Section 369, this program emphasizes support for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade. It targets schools with low literacy proficiency and those designated for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) or Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI). All Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in Delaware are eligible to apply, although schools on improvement plans are prioritized. Importantly, only Delaware public school districts and charter schools are eligible; private schools and middle schools serving grades beyond third grade are excluded due to the fund’s PK–3 scope. Grants must propose strategies to ensure all PK–3 teachers complete LETRS or AIM professional learning by the 2027–28 school year and participate in aligned professional learning through collaborative structures such as PLCs and instructional coaching. Projects should also outline plans for enrollment in the Early Literacy Leadership Academy (ELLA), use of the DE implementation dashboard, participation in student-centered coaching, and potential exploration of the Next Education Workforce™ model. Applications will be evaluated using a rubric that examines system design, stakeholder engagement, alignment with the School Improvement Plan, and data-driven progress tracking. Applicants must submit several required documents, including a state subgrant application, state funds budget template, and a detailed project plan. The application should also include a summary, narrative, justification, project timeline through June 30, 2026, a sustainability plan, and a professional learning plan. Additional data and stakeholder engagement are required as part of the submission, and all early literacy staff funded through the grant must participate in DDOE-sponsored professional development activities. Fiscal and program compliance, site visits, and spotlight presentations are required components of awardee obligations. The grant cycle for this funding opportunity begins with the public notice issued on September 26, 2025, and includes multiple support sessions leading up to the proposal deadline. Interested applicants were required to submit an intent to apply by October 13, 2025. Technical assistance sessions were held on October 14 and October 30, with a formal deadline for questions on October 24 and responses posted by October 31. Final proposals are due by November 14, 2025, at 4:00 PM, followed by an application review window from November 17 to December 18, 2025. Award notifications are anticipated on December 19, 2025. All funds must be used by June 30, 2026. For additional information or submission, applicants should contact the Delaware Department of Education at bridgetopractice@doe.k12.de.us or by phone at 1-302-735-4000. The program requires robust documentation, data usage, and a clear alignment to Delaware’s early literacy legislative and instructional priorities.

Align project with Delaware’s literacy legislation, involve all key stakeholders, use HQIM and professional learning diagnostics, and engage in coaching and ELLA participation.