Missouri Language and Literacies Center

Transforming Literacy Education for Today and Tomorrow

The Missouri Language and Literacies Center (MLLC) advances language and literacy education through research, collaboration and professional learning. Bringing together University of Missouri faculty, educators and community partners, the center works to strengthen literacy instruction and prepare learners for the complex communication demands of today’s world.

MLLC embraces an expansive view of literacy that includes reading, writing, speaking, listening and digital communication. Faculty from disciplines including literacy education, linguistics, theatre and related fields collaborate to bring research-based practices into classrooms and communities across Missouri. Through this work, MLLC supports educators, strengthens student learning and helps prepare the next generation of engaged citizens, leaders and professionals.

Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program

MLLC collaborates with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Show Me Literacies Collaborative to enhance and develop the language and literacy learning across the state of Missouri. Through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program 2020 grant, funded by the United States Department of Education, $18 million was distributed over five years, allowing the state to advance literacy skills for children from birth through grade 12. The federal CLSD grant was awarded once again to Missouri in 2024 to extend the work that began in 2020 for up to $49 million in funds to serve the state.

Led now by PI Dr. Angie Zapata, MLLC partners with early childhood providers and families in economically distressed areas of Missouri to support language and literacy learning among young children. Together, Dr. Zapata, her team and participants collaborate to establish vibrant learning spaces for play, language acquisition, and early literacy foundations including concepts of print, book handling, phonemic awareness, phonics, and other essential knowledges of emerging readers and writers that support kindergarten readiness. Central to this collaboration will be a continued emphasis on the community and family literacies that children and their loved ones already practice in their homes as a critical pathway towards school literacies. Through professional learning opportunities that include professional learning, coursework towards credentials, and funding for school resources, MLLC aims to affirm and sustain the language and literacy resources already present in families’ homes to positively impact their children’s learning and strengthen an early childhood professional leadership network across the state.

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