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U.S. Department of Education: A Comprehensive Literacy State Development Snapshot: Colorado and Pueblo School District 70’s Approach to Building a Comprehensive Literacy System
Leveraging the U.S. Department of Education’s largest student literacy program -- Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) -- Colorado Department of Education and Pueblo School District 70 have built a comprehensive PK-12 literacy framework grounded in a clear vision and data. The findings of a needs assessment led to targeted training focused on strengthening school leaders’ expertise in the Science of Reading and literacy leadership, refinement of coaching models, as well as focused learning walks. A partnership with Colorado State University Pueblo improved Pueblo School District 70’s data analysis and informed the adoption of a new, districtwide curriculum. The district also expanded family engagement across PK-12, including family literacy events to build resilience and deepen family-school collaboration.
Join Dr. Anthony Martinez, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Pueblo School District 70, and Laura Lay, CLSD Grant Program Manager at the Colorado Department of Education, as they present about the Colorado CLSD grant and Pueblo 70’s success.
The session will conclude with a discussion moderated by CLSD Team Leader Michael Berry of the U.S. Department of Education.
This talk was presented at:
2026 National ESEA Conference
February 2026
in
Denver, CO
Speakers
Michael Berry
Michael Berry serves as Team Leader for the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program, the largest student literacy program at the U.S. Department of Education. In addition to leading the CLSD program, Michael created and leads the CLSD National Literacy Center.
Prior to his relocation to Washington, Michael served as Deputy Commissioner of Education at the Texas Education Agency. There, Michael oversaw half of the agency, leading the divisions of charter schools; curriculum; assessment and accountability; and educator leadership. In addition, Michael concurrently served on the governing board that oversees licensure of all Texas educators – the Texas State Board for Educator Certification -- and as a senior liaison to the Texas State Board of Education.
Upon arrival in Texas, Michael served as the Governor’s Advisor for Public Education at the Texas Capitol. In this role, Michael advised the governor on nearly all PK-12 education issues.
Before moving to the Lone Star State, Michael served in a variety of leadership roles in California at the school, district, state, and university levels.
Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Pepperdine University and Master of Arts degree at California State University before entering the ph.d. program in education policy at the University of Texas.
Michael resides in Northern Virginia and is the proud father of two children.
Dr. Anthony Martinez
Dr. Anthony Martinez is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Pueblo County School District 70, where he provides leadership across 21 schools serving more than 10,000 students. With 25 years of experience in public education, he leads districtwide efforts in curriculum, professional learning, instructional alignment, and comprehensive school counseling.
In 2024, Dr. Martinez was recognized as the Colorado School Counselor Association Advocate of the Year for his leadership in advancing comprehensive counseling programs and cross-district collaboration. His work centers on building sustainable structures that support educators and improve student outcomes.
Laura Lay
Laura Lay is the CLSD Grant Program Manager at the Colorado Department of Education. She joined CDE from the San Francisco Public Library, where she served as the Learning Differences Librarian and managed system-wide literacy programs. As both a librarian and literacy specialist, Laura focuses on building strong partnerships across schools, libraries, and communities to support effective, evidence-based literacy instruction and help students develop the skills they need for reading success. Her work has been recognized nationally by the Urban Libraries Council and Library Journal, as well as locally by San Francisco Unified School District.
ESEA Network
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
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About Us
The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (formerly the National Title I Association) is dedicated to building the capacity of education professionals to provide disadvantaged children with a high quality education. Their ESEA Network website provides a host of resources to educators at all levels.
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