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ReadPlayTalk: How one school district in Texas is prioritizing birth-to-five

December 1, 2022

Three children are sitting at a table. The two on the left are raising their hands enthusiastically, while the child on the right is focused on writing. Colorful shelves are in the background.

ReadPlayTalk: How one school district in Texas is prioritizing birth-to-five

Status: On Demand
Duration: 52 minutes

Serving over 40,000 students near Dallas, Mesquite ISD has made early literacy and school readiness a district-wide priority — starting at birth. Their early learning initiative, ReadPlayTalk, is a model of how public school systems can lead birth-to-five strategies for long-term success.

This webinar explores how Mesquite ISD has integrated the LENA Start program into a broader early childhood vision, using innovative funding, community partnerships, and internal alignment to scale impact across the district.

Key takeaways:

  • Why Mesquite ISD chose to focus on the birth-to-five population
  • How they’ve sustained momentum and funding for ReadPlayTalk
  • How LENA Start fits into a system-wide early literacy strategy
  • Ways they’ve engaged businesses and school staff in the effort
  • Lessons for other school districts looking to bridge early childhood and K-12

Panelists:

Two women smiling in separate circular portraits on a black background. The woman on the left has dark hair, glasses, and wears a blue jacket; the woman on the right has straight blonde hair and wears a black top.
  • Lindsay Paris, Community Liaison, Mesquite ISD ReadPlayTalk
  • Ginger Galban (Moderator), LENA