Florida’s New Worlds Reading program off to a good start
The program created in 2021 has already helped hundreds of thousands of Florida students who were struggling with reading. As a classroom teacher nearly 20 years ago, it was unfathomable to think that children across Florida could get free books and activities...
Lastinger Center hosts 45th Annual International Conference
Researchers and professionals from around the globe gathered for the 45th annual International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities (IARLD) conference in Gainesville, FL from October 25 through 27, 2023, to discuss research and practice that supports students...
New Worlds Reading By The Numbers: 2022-2023 Success
The New Worlds Reading Initiative 2022-2023 Annual Enrollment Report describes New Worlds Reading’s impact on home literacy practices and children’s reading achievement based on both survey feedback from families involved in the program and data obtained from the...
Free Florida Reading Program Launches Regional Partners Program to Reach More VPK – 5th Grade Families in Need of Literacy Support
The New Worlds Reading Initiative is partnering with organizations across the state of Florida to support families and communities through literacy workshops and events! Florida, December 12, 2023 – In an effort to boost literacy rates across Florida, the UF Lastinger...
Tyran W. Butler, Ph.D. Joins UF Lastinger Center for Learning as Early Learning Principal
The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning proudly announces the appointment of Tyran Butler, Ph.D., as Early Learning Principal. Dr. Butler brings a wealth of experience to the role in developing academic programs in early childhood education, advancing...
Celebrate Three Years of Advancing Childhood Literacy with New Worlds Reading’s Free Book Bash
Miami families of VPK students and K – 5th grade public and charter school students are invited to attend the “Splash Into New Worlds” Book Bash to receive free books and reading activities, as well as participate in a read aloud and book signing with Malcolm...
Statewide Listening Tour to Shed Light on Florida’s Education Needs and Opportunities
A large majority of Florida students are not able to reach proficiency in math. Alachua County, Fla. – The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning has launched its 2023 Listening Tour to gather stakeholder input on education needs and identify ways to...
Expanding Florida’s literacy ecosystem with New Worlds Reading Teacher Professional Development
This summer UF Lastinger Center for Learning facilitated five New Worlds Reading Teacher Professional Development sessions across the state. Between June 1 and 28, 359 teachers participated in the training that connected New Worlds Reading at-home book delivery to...
Hillsborough Early Learning Network Innovation Programs
The UF Lastinger Center for Learning's Hillsborough Early Learning Network (HELN) is investing in its programs more than ever with the introduction of its latest initiative: Innovation Programs. An Innovation Program is an early learning program within the HELN...
Free Florida Reading Program Expands Eligibility to VPK Students Just in Time for Back-to-School Season
The New Worlds Reading Initiative will continue to support Florida families and children by delivering free books and reading resources directly to VPK-5th grade students this school year! Parents and guardians can apply for their child to participate in New Worlds...
2023-24 Impact Highlights
Read the 2023-24 Annual Impact Highlights to learn more about the Center’s recent efforts to advance the quality of education in early learning, literacy, mathematics and data science.