The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is expanding its efforts to strengthen literacy instruction across the county, supporting 437 schools in 27 districts during the 2026–27 school year.

Through the state-funded Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialist Educator Training (LCRSET) grant, LACOE provides educators with professional development, coaching and technical assistance to improve reading instruction and help more students develop essential literacy skills.

The initiative focuses on equipping teachers, literacy coaches, reading specialists and school leaders with research-based strategies that address the diverse learning needs of students, including English learners, multilingual learners and students with disabilities.

Supporting Educators Across the County

LACOE's LCRSET Regional Hub works directly with participating schools to strengthen literacy instruction and develop long-term improvement plans.

During the 2025–26 school year, the Regional Hub:

• Supported 343 schools across 20 districts.

• Provided professional learning to 593 educators and administrators.

• Delivered 17 professional learning sessions and 581 hours of technical assistance.

• Conducted 40 school visits to provide individualized support.

Led by Mara Shinn Smith and Patty Montenegro of LACOE's RLA unit, in collaboration with Jennie Johnson of the Sacramento County Office of Education, the Regional Hub helps schools identify instructional needs, analyze student data and develop targeted strategies to improve literacy outcomes.

Training covers foundational reading skills, structured literacy, language development, dyslexia and strategies for supporting students with diverse learning needs. Educators also receive specialized support for dual language instruction and biliteracy development.

Turning Training Into Classroom Success

Beyond professional development, the program helps schools put what they learn into practice. Educators work together to develop literacy plans, set measurable goals and monitor student progress.

For Claudia Barba, a literacy coach at Tracy Elementary, the experience has changed how she approaches her work.

"The LCRSET grant and the support of the LACOE Hub have transformed me as a Literacy Coach. I am not the same coach I was four years ago," Barba said.

She credits the program with helping her build a literacy team, identify instructional challenges and develop strategies for lasting improvement.

"The impact extends far beyond my own growth. It has strengthened our teachers, our literacy practices, and ultimately the support we provide to students and families."

Building Lasting Literacy Support

As the program expands, LACOE continues to focus on helping schools build the skills and leadership needed to sustain effective literacy instruction beyond the grant period.

By connecting educators across districts and providing ongoing support, LACOE is helping schools strengthen reading instruction and create more opportunities for students across Los Angeles County to succeed.