January 22, 2026
Read On Arizona
Highlights and Updates from the Field
Read On Arizona regularly participates in convenings, conferences, and conversations with partners and stakeholders from across Arizona and the nation to share best practices and build commitment for evidence-based strategies to improve school readiness and early literacy outcomes.
Here is a recap of some of the connections we've made in recent months.
Education Forward Arizona Power Hour on Arizona Literacy Plan 2030 | Dec. 9, 2025
Education Forward Arizona's December 2025 Power Hour focused on Arizona Literacy Plan 2030, bringing state and local leaders together to strengthen school readiness and third-grade reading outcomes. Terri Clark, Arizona Literacy Director, outlined the plan's key drivers and strategies. Sean Ross, Executive Director of the Arizona State Board of Education, and Linda Burrows of the Arizona Department of Education discussed statewide challenges and the urgency of prioritizing early literacy, emphasizing the importance of data and proven strategies. Lori Masseur also led a discussion on the Arizona Literacy Plan in Action, with local leaders sharing progress across the state. Steve King, Yavapai County School Superintendent Steve King highlighted structured literacy and family engagement; Stephanie Hall-Zurek, Dean of Academics at Imagine Schools Coolidge Elementary, shared data-driven approaches improving outcomes; and Joy Bruner, a teacher at DeMiguel Elementary School in Flagstaff, discussed how targeted instruction, family engagement, and training in the science of reading are making a difference for students.
Exploring Philanthropic & Public Funding for Early Literacy Media | Nov. 18, 2025
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading hosted a national webinar, moderated by Read On Arizona’s Terri Clark, that explored the philanthropic support and public funding behind Phoebe & Jay, a new PBS Kids animated series for children ages 3–5 grounded in foundational literacy curriculum.
"Literacy is depicted as purposeful. It's child driven, and it sets kids on the path to active, engaged reading development," said Kelly Cartwright, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, who worked closely with the show's creators to ensure the stories are building children's early literacy and executive function skills.
Partnering With Families for Student Success | Nov. 17, 2025
Read On Arizona's Lori Masseur and Tina Ochoa of Attendance Works provided a training session centered on family- and student-centered approaches to improve attendance and address chronic absence. Hosted by Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, participants included representatives from school districts from across Arizona, as well as families, nonprofit partners, and the Arizona Department of Education. Attendees discussed common barriers, effective solutions, and actionable practices that schools, districts, and partners can implement to improve student attendance.
Is Tucson Read to Read? A Community Conversation on Early Literacy | Nov. 13, 2025
Read On Arizona joined Arizona Public Media and local literacy leaders in Tucson for a community conversation about why reading by third grade is critical to long-term success and how we can help young readers build the early literacy skills they need to become strong readers. Panelists Jill Castek, University of Arizona, Sharon O’Brien, Literacy Connects, and Read On Arizona's Lori Masseur shared insights on current challenges and the collaborative, community-wide literacy strategies and programs underway across Tucson.
Revisiting Head Start as a Cornerstone for Early Learning & Development | Nov. 4, 2025
Lori Masseur of Read On Arizona joined education leaders from across the nation to discuss the challenges facing Head Start and the innovative ways programs are responding by strengthening local partnerships, adapting to community needs, and continuing to serve as an essential part of the early learning ecosystem for families. The session was hosted by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.
“There’s a lot of savings to the state and local governments when we are making investments in early childhood education. And, I know it’s hard because there’s so many competing priorities, but unifying with your local Head Start associations or other advocacy groups for early childhood education is critical for us to be able to do that in a unified manner,” shared Eve Del Real, Ph.D., Director of Early Head Start and Head Start with Southwest Human Development and President of Arizona Head Start Association.
Families First Forum | Nov. 3, 2025
The 2025 Families First Forum convened advocates, policymakers, and community leaders to address critical challenges facing Arizona families, from economic stability to health care and safety net access. Read On Arizona joined a panel facilitated by Children's Action Alliance, alongside a parent advocate and leaders from Arizona Early Childhood Education Association, and First Things First, to share insights and experiences on strengthening family support systems.
