Program Overview

ELITE is a targeted after-school literacy program designed for 1st–3rd grade students who benefit from additional reading support. Grounded in evidence-based practices recommended by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences, ELITE strengthens foundational reading skills during the most critical years of literacy development.

The program focuses on helping students reach grade-level reading proficiency by the end of third grade—a milestone strongly linked to long-term academic success. Students who fall behind at this stage face significantly higher risks of ongoing academic challenges, making early intervention essential.

ELITE uses carefully selected, culturally relevant books that reflect the identities, languages, and lived experiences of Santa Rosa City Schools students, with particular attention to BIPOC students and multilingual learners. When students see themselves in stories, reading becomes more meaningful—boosting engagement, comprehension, and confidence.

Through teacher-led read-alouds, small-group instruction, and hands-on literacy activities, ELITE builds:

• Vocabulary and academic language

• Phonics and phonemic awareness

• Reading fluency and comprehension

• Confidence and motivation to read independently

Each ELITE unit is grounded in the Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards—Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action—encouraging students to strengthen literacy skills while engaging with meaningful content that builds empathy, self-awareness, and critical thinking.

The program serves 21 students per unit, supported by one teacher and two instructional aides, creating a safe, inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to take risks, participate fully, and grow as readers.

“The ELITE program is one of the most promising innovations taking place in Sonoma County education. By targeting students who need the most support in a culturally enriching way, we are seeing students’ journeys to literacy accelerated and a love of reading fostered.”
— Dr. Amie Carter, Superintendent, Sonoma County Office of Education