UE School of Education awarded $500,000 grant from Lilly Endowment for Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana initiative
Evansville, Ind. (12/12/2023) — The University of Evansville (UE) has received a grant of approximately $500,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Advancing the Science of Reading (SoR) in Indiana. The grant will support UE's School of Education.
UE is one of 28 Indiana colleges and universities that received grants from Lilly Endowment to support efforts that integrate Science of Reading-aligned principles into teacher preparation programs.
Through the support of this funding, the School of Education's goal is to thoroughly prepare pre-service teachers to implement the SoR principles in their future classrooms. In doing so, this will ensure the increased literacy ability levels of Indiana's elementary-aged students. The grant includes professional development for literacy faculty and pre-service teachers, along with SoR resources that will allow the application of SoR throughout clinical experiences.
"Investing in education is an investment in the future. This grant not only empowers the institution but also signifies a collective commitment to advancing the science of reading in Indiana," said Dr. Sally Busby, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education. "By supporting our programs here in Evansville and across Southwest Indiana, we look forward to a brighter tomorrow through the transformative power of literacy."
"It is imperative that more of Indiana's elementary students learn to read proficiently, and it is essential that current teachers and the next generation of teachers are prepared to use proven principles to teach reading in their classrooms," said Ted Maple, Lilly Endowment's vice president for education. "We are pleased therefore to help Indiana colleges and universities strengthen the use of these research-based principles to teach reading in their teacher preparation programs."
Lilly Endowment launched the Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana initiative in 2022. It complements a statewide effort undertaken in 2022 by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to improve reading achievement in K-12 schools by helping current teachers implement Science of Reading-aligned principles in their classrooms. In 2022, the Endowment made a $60 million grant to the IDOE to support that work with school districts and teachers across Indiana.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university located in the southwestern region of Indiana. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and vibrant campus community of changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
na122@evansville.edu
812-893-5319
University of Evansville
uerelations@evansville.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- UE Announces Provost Transition as Mary Kessler Prepares to Retire After 36 Years
- University of Evansville Theatre Presents MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG
- University of Evansville to Host Indiana Football Hall of Fame Celebration Honoring Randy Mattingly
- New Preschool Classrooms Expand Early Learning Access Across the Evansville Promise Neighborhood
- University of Evansville to Host 11th Annual High School Changemaker Challenge
- UE's SAE Marks 14 Years of Fall Festival Fundraising for Chemo Buddies
- UE Students Use AI to Improve Accessibility for Evansville Sidewalks
- New York Times Reporter and Historian Clay Risen to Deliver 24th Annual Thomas C. Fiddick Memorial Lecture
- 24th Annual UE Chili Bowl Sale returns on October 1
- University of Evansville Expands Financial Aid to Cover Tuition and Fees for More Indiana Students