News Summary
Over 1,500 students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools are at risk of losing vital literacy tutoring services due to budget constraints faced by Literacy Mid-South. With nearly 80% of students not proficient in English/Language Arts, the reduction in funding could significantly impact literacy development, particularly for underserved students. While a new $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education aims to support high-needs students, ongoing funding and initiatives will be crucial for ensuring effective literacy education in the district.
Memphis – Over 1,500 students in Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) may lose access to essential in-school literacy tutoring this year due to significant budget challenges faced by Literacy Mid-South. This situation comes as the district grapples with a critical literacy crisis, where recent assessments indicate that nearly four out of every five students are not proficient in English/Language Arts, with around 85,000 students struggling to meet basic reading standards.
Literacy Mid-South, an organization committed to improving reading skills among young learners, has been providing small-group support to elementary students during school hours. However, the reduction in available funding could severely limit this program’s reach, impacting many of the students who rely on these services for literacy development.
To address the alarming literacy rates, MSCS is introducing new strategies aimed at identifying and tackling the challenges students face in reading. Part of this initiative includes aligning the curriculum across different subjects to enhance students’ understanding of vocabulary, phonics, and phonemic awareness. Jared Myracle, the district’s Literacy Executive Director, has stressed the importance of blending various components of literacy education to support reading skill development comprehensively.
As part of an immediate response to the literacy crisis, the U.S. Department of Education recently announced a $6 million grant intended to fund Literacy Mid-South’s Tutor901 program. This program specifically targets high-needs students in grades two through four at 18 MSCS schools. The grant represents a crucial step towards supporting underserved students, particularly those living in poverty and performing below grade level.
Congressman Steve Cohen has acknowledged the importance of this funding, emphasizing that reading constitutes a fundamental skill for future success. The grant aims to mitigate the challenges faced by students who struggle with reading, directly supporting efforts to enhance literacy education in the district.
The implications of poor reading skills are profound, affecting not just academic performance but overall comprehension abilities as students progress through their education. Board member Towanna Board has noted the correlation between inadequate reading skills and students’ struggles with comprehension in tests. Similarly, fellow board member Towana Murphy has highlighted her experiences tutoring high school students who demonstrate a lack of familiarity with basic sight wordsโskills that have diminished due to changes in the curriculum that shifted focus away from foundational reading methods.
Murphy advocates for a return to traditional learning methods, suggesting that utilizing paper materials instead of tablets may foster better reading skills among students. This perspective underscores the belief that hands-on, tactile learning experiences can enhance a child’s literacy development.
The challenge of promoting reading proficiency at an early age cannot be overstated. Parents like Avia Healy have expressed concern about the long-term consequences of children falling behind in reading by second grade. Research indicates that early literacy is crucial, as struggles with reading at a young age can create a cascading effect, hindering a student’s academic journey significantly.
In summary, the potential loss of in-school literacy tutoring due to budget constraints poses a serious threat to the educational progress of over 1,500 students in Memphis. While grants and new initiatives are being put in place to address these literacy challenges, ongoing support and funding will be paramount to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop essential reading skills needed for their future success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Memphis Schools Highlight Academic Challenges for Third Graders
Shelby County Commission to Discuss Budget Amendments
Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Literacy Tutoring Cuts
- Google Search: Memphis literacy issues
- Fox13 Memphis: MSCS Literacy Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- Local Memphis: Tutor901 and Literacy Mid-South Training
- Google Scholar: Literacy Education
- Commercial Appeal: MSCS Budget 2025-26
- Google News: MSCS literacy funding
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
