In a significant boost for local education, Chioma Ezeh, an assistant professor of elementary education at Elizabeth City State University, has secured a $49,936 grant from the North Carolina Collaboratory. This funding aims to advance her mission of enhancing literacy among culturally and linguistically diverse students in the region.
Ezeh has dedicated her time at ECSU to outreach and literacy initiatives designed to improve academic outcomes in nearby schools. Recognizing the unique challenges local communities face, she sees their diverse blend of cultures and languages as a strength rather than a barrier to education.
“I have been inspired by the relationship between our department and the local school districts. The districts consistently welcomed us, whether through our volunteering efforts in their schools or by participating in our events and interacting with our students,” said Ezeh.
A Leader in Literacy
The need for intervention is pressing. According to Ezeh, culturally and linguistically diverse learners encounter more significant obstacles due to digital inequality, language barriers, and limited access to literacy resources. This disparity places additional strain on teachers, particularly in elementary education, as they strive to meet their students’ complex needs.
“We know that diversity across ability, racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic student groups has reportedly explained literacy achievement gaps,” Ezeh noted. “The global disruption caused by the pandemic has worsened these existing disparities.”
With a clear goal in mind—to enhance literacy capabilities within diverse communities—Ezeh plans to collaborate closely with local school districts. The grant will support existing programs and introduce new strategies tailored to these communities’ specific needs.
Ezeh highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that various principals and stakeholders frequently engage with ECSU’s education department. “This kind of collaboration fosters research opportunities, and I am grateful for the chance to build on this relationship,” she remarked.
Determining how all students can learn to read regardless of their backgrounds is the question that is driving her initiative. “Early literacy is crucial for a child’s future academic success,” Ezeh stressed.
Ezeh is committed to engaging the community through the project. Early in her tenure, she prioritized meeting with district superintendents and stakeholders to better understand their needs.
