State Education Department Releases Literacy Toolkit for Instructors of Multilingual Learners

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has released a new resource to support literacy among New York’s growing English Language Learner (ELL) and Multilingual Learner (ML) populations. The Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners Toolkit compiles leading research in teaching literacy to ELLs and MLs, and provides direct guidance on how to put these ideas into practice for educators and school administrators.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “I firmly believe that excellence without equity is incomplete and equity without excellence is insufficient. This toolkit embodies both, demonstrating that they do not have to be competing goals but can instead be guiding principles for every classroom. For students, it represents empowerment, affirming that their cultural and linguistic identities are valued. For educators, it provides a roadmap for championing diversity and honoring the brilliance of all learners by holding them to the highest standards of achievement.”

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Literacy instruction is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor—particularly for the growing number of English language learners and multilingual learners in New York State’s schools. Every student deserves, and is entitled to, an education that meets their unique needs, and supporting educators in this work is essential. This toolkit offers exceptional, practical guidance that reflects the realities of the multilingual learning experience while fostering a learning environment that better serves all students.”

The toolkit was introduced on November 24, 2025, during a statewide conference held in partnership with the New York State Staff/Curriculum Development Network. The event was hosted by Associate Commissioner for the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, Elisa Alvarez, and included a presentation by the lead author of the toolkit, Dr. Socorro Herrera, as well as remarks from Chancellor Young, Regent Aramina Vega Ferrer, and Deputy Commissioner for P-12 Instructional Support Angelique Johnson-Dingle. The Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network provided additional support in facilitating breakout activities. Previously, the toolkit was previewed on October 24, 2025, at the 3rd annual Voices United Conference, hosted by the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages, and at the November 4, 2025, meeting of the NYS Board of Regents; Dr. Herrera delivered presentations at both events.

The Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners Toolkit is the latest resource to be released as part of NYSED’s Literacy Initiative. Launched in June 2024, the initiative was developed to ensure that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide effective instruction to all students that is grounded in research, culturally responsive, and aligned with evidence-based practices. The Literacy Initiative includes resources for instructional best practices, curriculum review, and professional development, including:

• PK-3 Literacy Instructional Best Practices Guide: To assist school districts in reviewing and enhancing literacy instruction to improve student outcomes.
• K-3 Literacy Curriculum Review Guide and Webinar: Guidance on selecting high-quality K-3 literacy curriculum and materials to meet the needs of all students.
• Science of Reading Literacy Briefs: To strengthen knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices in PK-12 education.

The toolkit and its resources were created for NYSED’s Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages by Dr. Socorro Herrera, professor in the College of Education and director of the Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy at Kansas State University; Dr. Kathy Escamilla, professor of education in the division of social, bilingual and multicultural foundations at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Dr. Robin Cabral of Kansas State University.