Test – Contribute to the Pathways Action Map

Reading proficiency by third grade is a strong predictor of future academic success. The NC Pathways to Grade-Level Reading Initiative (Pathways) works to improve grade-level reading and child well-being in North Carolina by advancing cross sector strategies that address the whole child, starting from birth. 

What is the Pathways Action Map?

The Pathways Action Map is an online tool that is intended to drive action in North Carolina. Action that ensures every NC child–regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status–is on the path to reading on grade level by the end of third grade.

It does this by providing a snapshot of state and local-level initiatives that are currently leading in 44 action areas. The actions were prioritized as a part of Pathways using a collaborative process and racial equity lens. They represent the areas that NC needs to work on first to move the needle on grade-level reading. 

The Action Map calls attention to strategies that improve outcomes for children of color and gives special consideration to initiatives led by people from communities most impacted by systemic inequities and racism. 

Initiatives that impact grade-level reading are many. Are you working to advance one or more of the actions in your community or at the state-level? Review the actions to see where you fit in. 

Contribute to the Pathways Action Map:

To develop this important resource, your input is needed. First, consider what initiatives are best addressing the actions in NC. They may include initiatives you are involved with directly or know about in your community. Then, add an initiative to the Action Map in one of two ways:

  1. Complete the Pathways Action Map Form online.
  2. Email NCECF to schedule a phone conversation. 

An initiative refers to any type of effort that actively addresses one or more of the actions. It may be a grassroots effort, policy initiative, privately- or publicly-funded program, community task force, state-level workgroup, nonprofit, etc. Anyone who is knowledgeable about the initiative can complete the Form, preferably the primary contact.

Benefits of including your work on the Pathways Action Map:

  • Highlight your work to policy makers, funders. advocates, and community leaders 
  • Help to identify gaps and areas of forward momentum to build on in NC that promote grade-level reading 
  • Connect with other leaders across the state who are working toward similar goals
  • Learn from others who are leading and growing in their use of a racial equity lens

What are the goals of the Pathways Action Map?

  • Inform key stakeholders about where NC stands in the prioritized action areas
  • Drive policy making, funding, advocacy, and local action where it’s most needed
  • Spotlight initiatives that center racial equity and community voice
  • Promote collaboration by engaging and connecting diverse leaders across the state

Who will use the Pathways Action Map?

  • The primary audiences are stakeholders who are actively working to address early childhood systems change in NC—policy makers, funders, advocates, and community leaders
  • Families, child and family service providers, educators, and others can also use the map to learn more about what’s happening in NC and help drive action 

The Pathways Action Map will include initiatives that:

  • Are taking place in NC at the state or local level and are actively working to address one or more action 
  • Provide evidence of impact or potential for future impact
  • Identify a primary contact who can provide current information and future updates

The Action Map is not intended to include everything that is happening in these prioritized areas in NC. Instead, it will spotlight a variety of NC initiatives that are leading and innovating in each of the action areas. The Action Map will feature initiatives that use a racial equity lens and incorporate community voice, especially the voices of families, providers, and other leaders of color. 

Suggested initiatives will be reviewed by a group of advisors to determine if they meet the criteria stated above. NCECF will not evaluate the effectiveness of the mapped initiatives. Users can reach out to initiative contacts to learn more. 

Please contact NCECF with any questions or feedback.

You may also share any concerns or ideas for improvement using this form.