Call for Peer Reviewers: FY 2026 Innovative Approaches to Literacy Grant Competition

About the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program

The purpose of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Program (ALN: 84.215G) is to support high-quality programs designed to develop and improve literacy skills for children and students from birth through 12th grade in high-need LEAs and schools. The U.S. Department of Education (Department), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, intends to promote innovative literacy programs that support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities, including programs that: 

1. Develop and enhance effective school library programs, which may include providing professional development for school librarians, books, and up-to-date materials to high-need schools;
2. Provide early literacy services, including pediatric literacy programs through which, during well-child visits, medical providers trained in research-based methods of early language and literacy promotion provide developmentally appropriate books and recommendations to parents to encourage them to read aloud to their children starting in infancy; and
3. Provide high-quality books on a regular basis to children and adolescents from low-income communities to increase reading motivation, performance, and frequency.

Who Should Apply

The Department seeks peer reviewers for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program grant competition with demonstrated experience in:

• School or public library media services
• Reading and literacy instruction
• PK–12 education (teachers, administrators)
• Program evaluation or education consulting

Peer reviewers should have:

• Experience implementing high-quality literacy activities
• Knowledge of high-need communities and the challenges faced by students and families

Additionally, strong candidates may bring expertise in:

• School libraries or media centers
• Staff development and training
• Strategic planning and program evaluation
• Prior experience reviewing Federal grant applications

Conflicts of Interest

All conflicts of interest will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Individuals may not serve as peer reviewers if they:

• Participated in preparing an application
• Are affiliated with an applying organization
• Have a financial or professional interest in the competition outcome, including interests of family members, employees, or associates

Roles and Responsibilities

Selected peer reviewers will:

• Independently read, score, and evaluate assigned grant applications
• Provide detailed, objective, and constructive written comments
• Participate in panel discussions to support funding recommendations

Reviewer feedback will be used to inform funding decisions. Written comments will be shared with applicants (with all personally identifiable information removed), and comments for funded applications may be made publicly available following the review process. Reviewers are expected to adhere to all requirements outlined in this Call for Peer Reviewers.

Time Commitment and Honorarium

Peer reviewers should expect to: 

• Commit approximately 60 hours over a 2-week review period
• Complete virtual reviewer training (June 8-9, 2026)
• Have availability for the full review period (June 10 - July 2, 2026)
• Have access to a computer, internet, and phone (required)
• Provide detailed, objective, and timely written evaluations, adhering to the review schedule

Compensation ranges from approximately $175 - $275 per application, depending on the role assigned.

How to Apply

• Submit a resume (Word/PDF, maximum of 3 pages) to InnovativeApproachestoLiteracy@ed.gov
• Include the Subject Line: "2026 IAL Peer Review"
• The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Selection is competitive and not guaranteed.