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Nebraska Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program

Nebraska's CLSD Program

In August 2024, the Nebraska Department of Education was awarded a Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant. This federal award of $55 million over five years supports the NebraskaREADS initiative, which was launched in 2018 in response to the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act (NRIA). The NRIA requires high quality, evidence-based instruction, including individualized supports and targeted interventions to promote grade-level reading proficiency for all students.

The Nebraska Department of Education used a competitive rigorous evaluation process to award subgrants to 46 entities across the state. The funds are being used to build the structures, routines, and capacity necessary to sustain evidence-based literacy and pre-literacy practices in order to improve literacy outcomes for all students from birth through grade 12.

Represents the literacy journey. Cars on the road that represent the aids to get 3rd graders to proficiency. A gas station shows the funding resources.

Fueling Nebraska's Literacy Journey

Nebraska’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program is centered around fueling Nebraska’s literacy journey through evidence-based literacy practices, building the capacity of educators across all levels of the system, and maintaining a strong focus on results-driven outcomes for teaching and learning.

The goal is to strengthen Nebraska’s long-term systems and build educator knowledge and leadership capacity in ways that continue well beyond the CLSD grant.

CLSD Program Purpose

To advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading and writing, for all children from birth through grade 12.

This purpose serves as the foundation for all our CLSD plans across the state.

Nebraska State Literacy Goal

Increase third-grade proficiency on NSCAS ELA to 75% by 2030.

While third grade proficiency is the measurable statewide target, we know reaching this goal requires strong literacy systems and support before third grade and continuing well beyond it.

CLSD Student Outcome Goals

  • 63% of students with a disability will meet or exceed proficiency on NSCAS ELA.
  • 94.5% of participating four year old children will achieve significant gains in oral literacy.
  • Increase third grade proficiency on NSCAS ELA from to 75% by 2030.
  • 78.5% of 5th grade students will meet or exceed proficiency on state reading assessments.
  • 81.5% of 8th grade students will meet or exceed proficiency on state reading assessments.
  • 73% of high school students will meet or exceed proficiency on state assessment, currently measured by the ACT.

 

 

CLSD Goals

  • Cohesion and alignment of statewide tools and resources.
  • 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 literacy practices to promote adequacy in resources for all students in early learning programs and school settings.

Nebraska CLSD Goals

In addition to student outcome goals, Nebraska’s CLSD work is grounded in several broader systems-level goals focused on long-term sustainability and statewide alignment.

Resources for Subgrantees

Allowable Use of Funds

Allowable Use of Funds Resources

Reporting Requirements

  • Reporting Requirements
  • 1:1 Subgrantee Fall and Winter Sign Up

Nebraska CLSD Resources

Allowable Use of Funds Resources

Budget & Grants Management

  • Office of Budget & Grant Management Staff
  • Budget & Grant Management Resources & Trainings
    • Grants Management System (GMS)
    • Grants Compliance Fiscal Monitoring
  • Budget & Grants Management (B&GM) Hub

Approved Provider List

Subgrantees must partner with one of the approved providers listed; this approved provider list ensures alignment with NDE CLSD Goal 1: Promoting cohesion and consistency across statewide tools and resources.

This list provides information on approved providers whose professional learning meets the minimum standards established by the Nebraska Literacy Project Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Professional Learning Rubric and are not to be considered endorsements by the Nebraska Department of Education.

Approved Provider List

Nebraska Literacy Project Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Professional Learning Rubric

Contact Us

Jamie Cook
Literacy Officer

jamie.cook@nebraska.gov
531-363-0609

Updated October 13, 2026 4:04pm