Hamilton County, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Literacy First program in Hamilton County Schools has expanded to include more elementary schools, providing one-on-one literacy tutoring for kindergarteners and first graders. Initially launched at East Side Elementary, the program now serves 14 schools, demonstrating significant improvements in student literacy skills. Tutors from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and AmeriCorps are enhancing the tutoring efforts, which aim to foster a strong academic foundation and holistic development among students. Last year, over 500 students benefited from the program, highlighting its effectiveness.
Chattanooga – The literacy tutoring program in Hamilton County Schools has expanded this year, now providing daily one-on-one literacy tutoring for students at two additional elementary schools. The program, which emphasizes phonics, particularly targets kindergarteners and certain first-grade students.
This innovative high-dosage, low-ratio tutoring initiative has been extended to a total of 14 public elementary schools in the county. The program originally launched as a pilot at East Side Elementary during the 2023-24 school year by Chattanooga 2.0. The success from this pilot phase prompted the inclusion of 11 additional schools from the MidTown and Missionary Ridge learning communities due to significant improvements in literacy skills observed among students who participated in the program.
The Literacy First program has proven its effectiveness, with participating kindergarten and first-grade students demonstrating greater growth compared to those who were qualified for tutoring but did not take part. Last year, Literacy First was recognized as the most effective intervention program offered by Hamilton County Schools, affirming its positive impact on student literacy.
This year’s expansion includes partnerships with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), which is supplying five student tutors pursuing teaching degrees. These tutors will work part-time at Brown Academy, a new school joining the program aimed at providing these aspiring educators with classroom experience. Additionally, Montessori Elementary at Highland Park has become the county’s first charter school to participate in this literacy initiative.
Chattanooga 2.0 has also recruited 14 corps members through a grant from AmeriCorps to serve as additional tutors across four elementary schools. Each tutor provides one-on-one assistance for 30 minutes each day, working with students until they reach grade level. Once a student graduates from the program, a new student from the waiting list is then able to receive tutoring.
Last school year, the program supported 546 students, with 250 reaching a level where they could graduate from the initiative. The tutoring approach employs a data-driven methodology, assessing student progress through metrics like reading fluency and the number of nonsense words read within a minute. It is designed not only to close achievement gaps but also to enhance students’ confidence across various school subjects.
The overarching goal of the Literacy First program is to establish a robust academic foundation and foster holistic development among students in Hamilton County. With the optimism expressed by educators and program administrators, it is poised to positively change the lives of many young learners.
FAQ
What is the Literacy First program?
The Literacy First program focuses on providing high-dosage, low-ratio one-on-one literacy tutoring for kindergarteners and some first-grade students in Hamilton County.
How many schools are currently involved in the program?
The program has expanded to a total of 14 public elementary schools in Hamilton County this year.
What are the goals of the program?
The program aims to establish a strong academic foundation while promoting holistic development for students in Hamilton County.
How are tutors recruited for the program?
Tutors for the program are recruited through partnerships with organizations like the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and AmeriCorps, which provides corps members to assist in tutoring efforts.
What methods does the program use to assess student progress?
The program utilizes a data-based approach, assessing student progress through metrics such as reading fluency and the number of nonsense words read in a minute.
How many students received tutoring last year?
Last school year, 546 students received tutoring from the Literacy First program, with 250 graduating from the program.
Key Features of the Literacy First Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Group | Kindergarteners and some first-grade students |
| Number of Schools | 14 public elementary schools |
| Tutoring Ratio | High-dosage, low-ratio one-on-one sessions |
| Duration of Sessions | 30 minutes per day |
| Student Progress Assessment | Reading fluency, nonsense words read per minute |
| Student Graduation | Students graduate from the program upon reaching grade level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Literacy Tutoring Program in Hamilton County
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Chattanoogan: Literacy Program Expands in Chattanooga
- Google Search: Literacy Program Hamilton County
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga 2.0 Chooses Schools for Literacy First Tutoring Program
- Google Scholar: Literacy Program Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Tennessee’s Reading Scores Surpass National Average
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Literacy
- Times Free Press: Virtual Tutoring Program Provides Hamilton County
- Google News: Reading Scores Tennessee
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton 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 area—with 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 Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
