Moving the Needle on Early Literacy - A Conversation with Todd Collins

In Santa Barbara Unified, about half of the students are not reading at grade level, and only 38% are meeting state standards in math. Struggling to read by third grade impacts not just academics, but also self-esteem, emotional health, and long-term opportunities. The good news—it’s a solvable problem.

Join the Santa Barbara Reading Coalition on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at the Faulkner Gallery in the Santa Barbara Central Library for a free community event featuring Todd Collins, founder of the California Reading Coalition and former President of the Palo Alto Board of Education.

Collins has helped districts across California successfully adopt a Science of Reading-based approach that dramatically improves literacy outcomes. During his time on the Palo Alto school board, he led the Every Student Reads Initiative, which transformed early reading instruction through evidence-based curricula, teacher training, dyslexia screening, and strong accountability. The results were significant: underserved students rose from among the lowest-performing in the state to among the highest.

At this event, Collins will share proven strategies and best practices from districts that have turned the tide on early literacy, offering inspiration and practical steps for other districts.

Host or Publisher Santa Barbara Reading Coalition