AU Literacy Center, state leaders working to improve Georgia literacy rates

As Georgia lawmakers consider major reforms to improve reading proficiency in public schools, Augusta University is helping lead the way in strengthening literacy across the region.

The proposed Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 — a top priority of House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington — recently passed the House and is now moving through the Senate. The legislation is part of a broader effort to address the state’s urgent literacy challenges: approximately 62% of Georgia’s third graders are not reading proficiently, according to the Georgia Council on Literacy.

The House budget proposal includes more than $60 million for literacy initiatives. Of that, the bill would dedicate $31 million to place a literacy coach in every elementary school in Georgia to support teachers in evidence-based reading instruction. It would also require kindergarten attendance before entering first grade and give schools greater flexibility to retain first grade students who are not yet reading on grade level.

First Lady of the Georgia House of Representatives Dayle Burns, a former teacher and elementary school principal, has been a leading advocate for the legislation.

“Approximately 60% of Georgia schoolchildren are not reading at grade level,” Dayle Burns said. “By the time students reach the fourth grade, only one in three reads proficiently. Helping children be ready for first grade is also monumentally important. This bill is about readiness, and we can make a difference.”

As the state pushes for stronger early literacy outcomes, Augusta University’s Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center is already being recognized as a model for community-driven literacy support. The center was recently named a 2026 Georgia Reads Community Award recipient by the Georgia Council on Literacy — an honor recently announced at the Georgia State Capitol alongside legislative champions.

As part of the award, the center will receive $20,000 to expand its programs. On March 17, the center also had the honor of hosting a visit from Georgia Reads coach, children’s author and former University of Georgia football standout Malcolm Mitchell.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Georgia Reads Community Award,” said Betsy VanDeusen, PhD, director of the Harris Literacy Center. “This recognition belongs to our learners, tutors, university partners, community collaborators and supporters who work every day to ensure that literacy opens doors of opportunity for all.”

Over the past year, the Harris Literacy Center delivered more than 6,800 hours of instruction to over 120 school aged learners. The impact has been significant:

• 84% of learners improved their foundational literacy skills.
• 77% advanced on the district’s i-READY assessment benchmarks.
• More than 3,800 community members engaged with the center’s programs and events.

First Lady of Augusta University Karen B. Keen, a former teacher, praised the center’s impact on the community.

“The Harris Literacy Center has done an outstanding job of promoting literacy throughout the community,” Keen said. “Reading truly changes lives. It opens doors to opportunity, builds confidence and shapes a child’s future in ways that last a lifetime.”

Founded more than 35 years ago by the late Paulette P. Harris, PhD, the center has long served as a cornerstone for literacy advancement in Augusta. Harris, a beloved professor, leader and advocate, built the center on the belief that strong readers strengthen entire communities.

“I think the impact the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center has had on this community has been just limitless,” said Judi Wilson, EdD, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “I know it makes Paulette extremely proud. She was an excellent educator, an outstanding leader and a gifted philanthropist. And she was so committed to Augusta University. She was a true pioneer for the advocacy of literacy in this community.”

As Georgia advances efforts to strengthen early literacy, Augusta University’s Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center reflects sustained commitment, meaningful collaboration and deep care for the community. Through proven outcomes and strong partnerships, the center continues to advance early literacy for children and families across the CSRA.

To donate to Augusta University’s Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center, please click here.