Patterson Institute for Early Adolescent Literacy
The Patterson Institute works alongside students, families, educators and communities to strengthen literacy in grades 4–8. We connect instruction designed around students’ needs, professional learning and research grounded in real schools.
Who We Serve
Explore programs, resources and ways to partner, all designed for early adolescents and the people who support them.
Students
Families
Educators
Graduate Students
Literacy is the bedrock of a functioning society, yet far too many students know how to read without understanding what they read. This institute will develop the evidence-based solutions to get these students back on track.
Our Impact
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Grades 4-8
A pivotal period for literacy development—and the focus of the work
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7
Partner schools working with the institute
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13
Patterson Fellows—graduate students learning and working alongside students, educators and families
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4
Professional learning series planned in year one for educators, supported by coaching and practical resources
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1
Shared mission: strengthen literacy teaching and learning with early adolescents and those who support them
Featured Resources
Explore tools, stories and people that connect literacy research with classrooms and communities
The Reading Room
Find practical tools, recommended texts and research for supporting early adolescent readers and writers.
Patterson Fellows
Meet Peabody graduate students who work alongside schools, educators, families and young people to connect research with practice.
Patterson Institute News
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WKRN
James Patterson funds early adolescent literacy institute at Vanderbilt University -
Nashville Post
Author James Patterson to donate $10M to Vanderbilt -
WSMV
Bestselling author James Patterson teams up with Vanderbilt University to launch early literacy institute -
Publishers Weekly
James Patterson Pledges $10 Million to Launch Literacy Institute
