Nebraska Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program
CLSD Grant RFA Now Open
The Nebraska Department of Education’s Office of Literacy is pleased to announce the release of Request for Applications (RFA) for the Nebraska Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant program. Nebraska received a $55 million CLSD award in September 2024, which aims to enhance literacy skills for children from birth to grade 12, focusing on students living in poverty, English learners, and children with disabilities. The NDE is now inviting applications for subgrants for eligible entities serving underserved children.
The impact of funds on proficiency levels will be reviewed annually, and to ensure ongoing activities reflect evidence-based practices and materials, increase family and community engagement in literacy, and provide professional learning for educators on the science of reading and effective classroom practices.
To apply:
- Applications for subawards will be made online through the NDE’s Grants Management System (GMS) beginning April 15, 2025 and are due no later than Monday, June 2, 2025.
- Please review the Nebraska CLSD Grant Request for Applications (RFA) along with Appendix E: Literacy Leadership Team and Appendix F: Literacy Comprehensive Needs Assessment to begin the application process.
- There will be a recorded Technical Assistance Webinar on Friday, April 18 from 9:00 – 10:30 Central at this link: https://educationne.zoom.us/j/4024714694?omn=98622398432.
Intent to Apply Survey
We are also releasing a short “Intent to Apply” survey. While the survey is voluntary, submissions will assist the NDE in developing sufficient resources for the review of applications.
For additional information, contact nde.clsd@nebraska.gov
In August 2024, the Nebraska Department of Education was awarded a federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant. The total award of $55 million spans five years. The purpose of the CLSD Program is to advance literacy and pre-literacy skills for students from birth to grade 12, with emphasis on disadvantaged children, including children living in poverty, English learners, and children with disabilities. The Nebraska CLSD Program will support the NebraskaREADS initiative, which was launched in 2018 in response to the requirements and practices outlined in the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act.
The Nebraska CLSD Program will use a competitive sub granting process to carry out activities. Sub awards will be made to national and local partners, community organizations, and other collaboratives whose services align with our vision for a coherent system of literacy. NDE staff will use a rigorous evaluation process to ensure contracted services are of high quality, have a significant impact on evidence-based literacy practices, and build statewide capacity to meet our goals.
Our Vision
To foster a culture of proficient and lifelong readers in Nebraska and unlock student potential for learning, earning, and living through a focus on evidence-based reading instruction.
Our Goals
Goal
Increase third-grade proficiency on NSCAS ELA to 75% by 2030
Nebraska CLSD Sub Goals
- Cohesion and alignment of statewide tools and resources, including an updated Nebraska Statewide Literacy Plan, supplementation Nebraska’s statewide regional coaching network, and expanding and aligning tools and resources to ensure families, caregivers, and early childhood education centers can equip literacy in the home.
- Statewide teacher and leader training and preparation in structured literacy and the Science of Reading, encompassing strategies from early childhood through adult literacy.
- Support the selection, implementation, and continuation of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and evidence-based practices to promote adequacy in resources for underserved students in early learning programs and school settings.
- 2024 Nebraska CLSD Program
- CLSD Logic Model
- Nebraska’s application to the CLSD Program, entitled Nebraska’s Journey to Inclusive Literacy through MTSS used a logic model to illustrate how key actions and activities would lead to improved outcomes and the attainment of long-term goals.
- Nebraska Literacy Project – Nebraska Department of Education
- Nebraska Reading Improvement Act
- 2023 Nebraska MTSS Framework
- Nebraska Instructional Materials Collaborative
- Elementary Instructional Planning Guide
- NSWERS Early Reading Brief
- NDE’S Rule 20: Regulations for the Approval of Educator Preparation Programs