Literacy Takes the Lead: Updates from Ward 2
Dear Neighbors,
In a budget year where every dollar must spell success, I’m fighting to keep literacy at the forefront. Reading and writing aren’t extras – they’re essentials. From the classroom to the Council chamber, we need to protect and grow our city’s investments in early literacy.
🎉 Reading Partners Turns 15!
A huge chapter-clap to Reading Partners DC on 15 years of turning young readers into confident scholars. Want to be part of the story? Volunteer as a reading tutor—no teaching experience needed: Volunteer with Reading Partners!
✍️ Writing Their Own Futures at 826DC
This month, I got to hear DC high schoolers read their own poems at 826DC’s student publication release. Their voices were fierce, funny, and full of heart—a reminder that writing is just as essential as reading. Want to help the next generation write their own story? Volunteer with 826DC!
🍎 Support for New Teachers: From Rough Draft to Strong Start
As Chair of the Educator Excellence Committee, I recently led a panel with DC teachers on what truly supports them, especially in year one. Here’s what we underlined:
Teachers need structured mentorship, not from evaluators, but from peers who’ve been there.
Informal support is golden. We're exploring ways to formalize the informal, creating peer review structures that feel safe and supportive.
First-year PD needs to be more by teachers, for teachers, including more planning time and content aligned to what beginners actually face.
📖 This Saturday: Speaking with WTU Members on Literacy & Legislative PrioritiesI
I’m honored to join the Washington Teachers’ Union’s Shared Vision virtual conference this Saturday to speak with WTU members about our shared efforts to improve literacy and strengthen public education across D.C.
📣 Join the Conversation: Literacy Night with PAVE
I’m excited to speak at PAVE’s Literacy Night on Tuesday, May 20 (5:30–7:30pm) at the Southwest Library. We’ll discuss how to build a more literacy-rich DC—through better materials, better systems, and stronger family partnerships. Join us and bring your questions!
🗣 Speak Up: SBOE Public Meeting 5/21
Want to share your own perspective on how to support students, educators, and families? Sign up to testify at our next State Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, May 21 (5:30–8:30pm):
👉 Sign up to testify!
🎓 Applications Open: D.C. State Board of Education’s Student Advisory Committee (SAC)
Know a student ready to lead? Applications are now open for the SY25-26 Student Advisory Committee! The SAC is a powerful platform for rising 10th–12th graders to share their voice on key issues like school safety and academic standards across DCPS and public charter schools. Members engage directly with State Board leaders, vote on resolutions, earn community service hours, and more.
🗓️ Deadline to apply: June 15
Allister Chang
Ward 2 Representative
DC State Board of Education