Accelerated Literacy Model (ALM)

Why is APS piloting the Accelerated Literacy Model?

Atlanta Public Schools has been working to improve early literacy for many years, but the results tell us we need to do more. Third-grade GMAS ELA proficiency has stayed mostly flat over the past decade, with about 35% of students currently reading at or above proficiency. While there has been some progress, it hasn’t been enough (or fast enough) to ensure all students are getting what they need. The Accelerated Literacy Model reflects APS’s decision to take a more focused, intensive approach to early literacy, grounded in what the data and research is telling us.

What Is the Accelerated Literacy Model?

Atlanta Public Schools’ Accelerated Literacy Model is a robust, research-based approach to early literacy designed to ensure that all students build strong reading skills as early as possible. It is grounded in the Science of Reading and focuses on excellent instruction, skilled educators, and the right supports delivered consistently and equitably.

At Toomer, this work will begin in Pre-K through 3rd grade in the 2026–27 school year, with grades 4 & 5 joining the model the following year (2027–28). We are honored to have been chosen as one of four schools in the district to pilot this model.

What this is (and what is not)

We want to be very clear about what this is and is not:

• This is not a brand-new program.
• This is not a dramatic redesign of instructional practice at Toomer.
• This will not result in added burden for students or families.

Toomer has been intentionally strengthening its literacy instruction for several years. The Accelerated Literacy Model simply provides additional resources, staffing, and professional support to deepen and sustain work that is already underway.

Think of this as giving our educators the right tools, the right training, and the right support structures to do what they already do well.

What Will Stay the Same

Families can expect continuity in the parts of the school day that matter most to kids. Students will still have: math, science, social studies, specials (art, music, PE, etc.), and recess. No classes are being cut to make room for literacy instruction and students will continue to experience a well-rounded, joyful school day. The goal is stronger literacy within the existing structure—not a narrowed experience.

What Will Change

Most of the changes associated with the Accelerated Literacy Model involve how the school is staffed and supported, rather than changes students will feel day-to-day.

Staffing & Expertise

• Every PK–3 classroom will have paraprofessional (para) support.
• Each PK–3 grade level will have a dedicated interventionist to provide targeted literacy support.
• Additional specialized staff will be added, including:
  • Speech-language pathologists
  • Special education literacy specialists

These roles are designed to ensure that students who need extra support receive it early and effectively.

Teachers: Right People, Right Places, Right Support

• All PK–3 teachers in the Accelerated Literacy Model will be expected to have deep expertise in early literacy before getting hired.
• Any teacher interested in teaching PreK-3rd grade at Toomer in 26-27 will have to qualify and make the commitment to the additional training (even if they are already employed at Toomer).
• PK-3 Teachers will commit to ongoing, intensive professional development aligned with evidence-based reading instruction throughout the school year.
• Some staffing adjustments at Toomer will occur to ensure the right teachers are in the right instructional roles. Not all current homeroom teachers have the required expertise to participate in this model, and others may not be interested in this kind of teaching environment.

Important reassurance for families:

• No current Toomer staff member will lose their job- any staff member who is not placed in PK–3 will continue to have a position somewhere within the APS district.
• Existing staff may apply to remain in PK–3 roles if qualified.

Instructional Time: What About the Literacy Block?

• Students will have an extended literacy block built into the school day.
• This allows for:
  • Strong whole-group instruction
  • Small-group work
  • Targeted intervention

The extended literacy block is designed to be efficient and supportive, not overwhelming- and it will not come at the expense of other subjects or recess.

What Does This Mean for Families?

For families, the Accelerated Literacy Model means:

• Confidence that literacy instruction is research-based and well-supported and is being implemented by literacy experts.
• Earlier identification of students who need additional help
• More adults in classrooms and small groups supporting learning
• A school day that remains balanced, joyful, and developmentally appropriate

Most importantly, this work is designed for adults to do the heavy lifting so students can focus on learning, growing, and loving school.

In Summary

Toomer is not changing course- rather we are staying the course with stronger support.

The Accelerated Literacy Model helps ensure that:

• Great teaching is matched with great training
• Students get support early
• Families are not asked to do more
• Every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader

We are excited about what this means for our students.