Early Literacy

Learn more about the curriculum and methods used to teach young children the literacy skills they need to read and write, including phonics

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Why Putting the 'Science of Reading' Into Practice Is So Challenging
Philosophical disagreements, a rushed rollout, and a lack of ready-to-use materials have complicated one state's journey.
First grader Geniss Gibbs practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C., on May 23, 2022.
First grader Geniss Gibbs practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C., on May 23, 2022.
Kate Medley for Education Week
School & District Management Who Trains the Trainers in the ‘Science of Reading?’
How three districts help their principals learn, practice, and sustain the “science of reading” implementation in their schools.
Olina Banerji, June 14, 2024
5 min read
Photograph of a Black male teacher in the classroom with clipboard observing elementary students.
E+
School & District Management Download 'Science of Reading' Learning Walks: 4 Things for Principals to Look For
An instructional guide for school leaders to help implement shifts in reading practices.
Olina Banerji & Gina Tomko, June 14, 2024
1 min read
Image of a spotlight on a child reading a book.
Taylor Callery for Education Week
School & District Management The Behind-the-Scenes Work of Implementing the ‘Science of Reading’
Principals are at the forefront of rolling out reading reforms. Their starring role, though, is often mistaken for a supporting one.
Olina Banerji, June 6, 2024
5 min read
A member of the Instruction Partners team works with instructional leaders during a learning walkthrough at a school in Brownsville, Tenn.
A member of an Instruction Partners team works with leaders during a learning walkthrough at a school in Brownsville, Tenn. Learning walkthroughs help principals learn how to support their teachers in new methods for teaching reading and provide feedback to them.
Courtesy of Instruction Partners
School & District Management Leading on the ‘Science of Reading’: Principals Share What They’ve Learned
Three school leaders share insights on how they changed the way reading was taught in their schools.
Olina Banerji, May 29, 2024
8 min read
School & District Management Principals Have a Lead Role in the ‘Science of Reading.’ Are They Ready?
The push to shifting schools to the science of reading has often neglected the vital role of the principal.
Olina Banerji, May 24, 2024
9 min read
Arsenio Romero, secretary of New Mexico’s Public Education Department, addresses the audience at the Albuquerque Earth Day Festival on April 21, 2024.
Arsenio Romero, the New Mexico secretary of education, speaks at the Albuquerque Earth Day Festival on April 21, 2024. Romero is leading a statewide effort to improve literacy.
Courtesy of New Mexico Public Education Department
Reading & Literacy Q&A A New Plan to Raise the Lowest Literacy Rates in the Nation
Daily summer reading instruction for thousands of students is part of a bigger plan to improve literacy in New Mexico.
Elizabeth Heubeck, May 23, 2024
5 min read
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
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Reading & Literacy Webinar
Creating Confident Readers: Why Differentiated Instruction is Equitable Instruction
Join us as we break down how differentiated instruction can advance your school’s literacy and equity goals.
Content provided by Lexia Learning
Dr. Carey Wright, the interim state superintendent for Maryland, discusses improving literacy instruction and achievement with Stephen Sawchuk, an assistant managing editor for Education Week, during the 2024 Leadership Symposium in Arlington, Va. on Friday, May 3, 2024.
Carey Wright, the state superintendent for Maryland, discusses improving literacy instruction and achievement during Education Week's Leadership Symposium in Arlington, Va., on May 3, 2024.
Sam Mallon/Education Week
Reading & Literacy The Key Parts of a 'Science of Reading' Transformation, According to One State Chief
Under Carey Wright's leadership, Mississippi pulled off a reading "miracle." She has a similar transformation in mind for Maryland.
Libby Stanford, May 6, 2024
6 min read
Group of kids reading while sitting on the floor in the library
Zinkevych/iStock/Getty
Reading & Literacy Teachers Are Still Teaching Older Students Basic Reading Skills, Survey Finds
Who across the K-12 spectrum engages frequently in activities that promote foundational reading skills? The answer may come as a surprise.
Elizabeth Heubeck, May 1, 2024
4 min read
Reading & Literacy Spotlight Spotlight on The Science of Reading in Practice
This Spotlight will help you analyze new curricula designed to build knowledge, review the benefits of reading aloud to students, and more.
April 30, 2024
Female teacher reads to multi-cultural elementary school students sitting on floor in class at school
iStock/Getty
Reading & Literacy For Now, California Won't Mandate 'Science of Reading.' Here's What Happened
The California Teachers Association was one of the bill's most prominent opponents.
Lauraine Langreo, April 17, 2024
6 min read
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Reading & Literacy Webinar
Your Questions on the Science of Reading, Answered
Dive into the Science of Reading with K-12 leaders. Discover strategies, policy insights, and more in our webinar.
Content provided by Otus
A 1st grade teacher speaks with a student about an assignment at Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 2017.
A 1st grade teacher speaks with a student about an assignment at Capital City Public Charter School in the District of Columbia in 2017.
Allison Shelley/All4Ed
Reading & Literacy Q&A Want to Improve Reading Proficiency? Talk to Kids More
Education researcher Sonia Cabell explains how effective classroom conversations can boost reading proficiency.
Elizabeth Heubeck, April 15, 2024
4 min read
Illustration of young boy reading and repeat icon.
DigitalVision Vectors / Getty
Reading & Literacy Opinion Reading Fluency: The Neglected Key to Reading Success
A reading researcher asks whether dismal reading results could stem from the fact that decoding doesn't automatically lead to comprehension.
Timothy Rasinski, April 11, 2024
5 min read