What is Early Literacy

In 1976 Dr. Dustin Heuston founded Waterford.org to pursue a dream of equity and excellence in education. This chapter details four key principles that are necessary to achieving that dream: (1) the education system needs to be rearchitected around the individual learner, which will require significant amounts of additional work to accomplish; (2) digital technology has unique properties that qualify it for providing that work; (3) early literacy is necessary for equity as it is a foundational skill for success in school and life; and (4) true equity requires starting in the home and partnering with parents to ensure that all children arrive at school ready to learn. Waterford Upstart is an innovative solution that was developed around these principles and helps achieve these school readiness goals, as evidenced by rigorous research. This has important policy implications for states looking to improve equity and excellence in education.