Just Read, Florida! and the Division of Early Learning are collaborating to provide the 2026 Elementary Summer Literacy Institute that will take place Tuesday, June 9 to Wednesday, June 10, at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Florida. The Elementary Summer Literacy Institute will support coalitions, districts and schools with effectively optimizing success for all students. There will be a targeted focus on evidence-based, standards-driven literacy instruction informed by the science of reading to accelerate learning and enhance student outcomes. 

The Elementary Summer Literacy Institute will provide professional learning to coalition, state and district literacy leaders as well as Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK) through grade 5 staff at Reading Achievement Initiative for Scholastic Excellence (RAISE) Intensive Support Schools. 

1. RAISE Intensive Support School Literacy Leadership Teams (school administrator, literacy coach, lead K-5 teacher and/or VPK teacher); 

2. District K-5 literacy representatives; 

3. District VPK representatives; and 

4. Early Learning Coalition representatives. 

The guaranteed slots will be available through Friday, April 24, 2026. If slots are still available after this time, the Department will reevaluate slot allocations to fill slots according to applicable audience and reopen registration until capacity is reached. 

There is no cost for conference registration; however, districts and early learning coalitions will be responsible for all hotel and travel expenses for their participants. A block of rooms will be available at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a participant is registered, he or she will receive a confirmation email and hotel information will be provided. 

1. Increase knowledge of the science of reading, writing and evidence-based literacy practices; 

2. Expand knowledge of the K-5 Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards (FELDS) for Four Years Old to Kindergarten; 

3. Provide turn-key resources to support effective implementation of the B.E.S.T. ELA Standards and the FELDS; and 

4. Use assessment data to inform instruction and intervention. 

If you have any questions regarding conference registration, please contact the NEFEC Events team at esli@nefec.org.