New analysis highlights local progress, system gaps and opportunities to strengthen literacy outcomes from birth through third grade
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) has released a new research brief, Reading the Landscape: Strengths, Gaps, and Opportunities in Duval County’s Early Literacy System, offering a detailed look at the current state of early literacy efforts across Duval County.
The brief draws on a review of more than 2,000 empirical studies on birth-to-third-grade literacy interventions, along with local data and interviews with literacy leaders, to examine where Duval County has made progress and what it will take to accelerate results. The research found that effective early literacy efforts depend on nine key components working together in a coordinated system.
In Duval County, the report highlights meaningful progress across five of those components: Science of Reading-aligned curriculum, differentiated tutoring, professional learning and coaching, authentic family partnerships, and wraparound supports. According to the brief, that progress has contributed to improved district outcomes and reflects the commitment of educators and community partners across Jacksonville.
At the same time, the analysis points to a central challenge: while Duval County has a strong ecosystem of literacy organizations, the work remains loosely connected.
The brief finds that sustained, large-scale gains will require stronger alignment, shared data infrastructure, clearer roles, and diversified, sustainable funding. The report also identifies birth-to-third-grade coordination and expanded access to full-day Voluntary Prekindergarten as important strategies for improving literacy outcomes over time.
“This brief helps our community better understand both the progress we have made and the work still ahead,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, president of JPEF. “Early literacy is foundational to long-term success in school and in life. We hope these findings support a shared roadmap that brings partners together to strengthen outcomes for all students.”
In the coming weeks, JPEF will share the research more broadly and work alongside organizations across sectors as they consider next steps. JPEF’s goal is not only to publish the findings, but also to support community efforts to strengthen literacy through further research, stronger data sharing, and continued coordination in Duval County.
“We are grateful for partners like The Community Foundation, which is now the backbone for READ JAX and providing much-needed community infrastructure for the next chapter of collaborative impact,” said Fortune.
Early literacy is closely tied to economic mobility, workforce readiness, and the long-term prosperity of the community. JPEF is encouraging community members, partners, and leaders to review the brief, share it across their networks, and consider how they can help advance this work in Duval County.
