2022 Governor’s Summit

The 2022 Governor's Summit, Amplifying Evidence-based Early Language and Literacy Practices to Accelerate Children's Success, took place June 15-16, 2022 on the campus of Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. This year’s Summit convened state and local policy leaders, including 21 cross-sector teams focused on the birth to third grade continuum. These groups consisted of professionals focused on early childhood, elementary, and higher education. Advocates working within local governments, community-based organizations, private businesses, healthcare, and philanthropies participated in the event.

Cross-sector teams engaged collaboratively to form shared understandings around practices for building strong pathways for early language and literacy development, including evidence-based practices for children and caregivers. Expert presentations included topics such as: language development as a well-being indicator; the connection of research to practice to effectively embed evidence-based methods; and cultivation of collaborative alignment and delivery of evidence-based early language and literacy practices among organizations working with children birth to age eight.

The Deal Center was honored to host inspiring speakers who amplified evidence-based practices: Emily Rubin, Dr. Douglas Bell, Zoe Myers, and Kathryn Lawler. In attendance were 112 early language and literacy champions from 21 counties across the state. The ultimate goal of the summit was to leave participants with individualized action plans to increase literacy in communities across the state. Our 2022 Summit did just that, and we appreciate your attendance and continued support of the organization and our mission!