Literacy Initiative

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The New York State Education Department (NYSED) and Board of Regents are committed to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality instruction and to fostering a culture of reading and writing excellence across the state. Literacy is the cornerstone of academic success; therefore, the Department is examining state requirements related to literacy instruction and developing a P-20 literacy initiative to ensure that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills prepared to provide effective instruction to all students that is grounded in research, culturally responsive, and aligned with evidence-based practices.

Literacy is a foundational skill for 21st-century learners. In fact, being a proficient reader, writer, and communicator has an impact on a student’s entire education and their life beyond. NYSED is working to ensure all students have the resources they need to be successful in literacy and life, no matter their learning differences. All students deserve the opportunity of a high-quality education that allows them to thrive.

NYSED understands the critical role that literacy plays in shaping the future of individuals and communities. The literacy resources on this site provide educators, parents, and community members information on best practices and strategies to enhance literacy instruction.

The Science of Reading Literacy Briefs

The New York State Education Department is pleased to release a new series of literacy briefs that focus on the science of reading. These briefs were produced by Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. The new literacy briefs may be used to strengthen knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices in PK-12 education.

Overview of NYSED’s Literacy Briefs with Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux

The New York State Education Department (NYSED), in collaboration with the BOCES and Big 5 school districts, hosted a statewide literacy conference. This hybrid event provided New York State teachers, administrators, and literacy leaders with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices in PK-12 education as educators from across the state came together to focus on research-based practices and the science of reading to support students’ learning and development.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the seven literacy briefs with the NYSED team and keynote speaker Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux. Dr. Lesaux is the Roy Edward Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She previously partnered with NYSED on a series of Advanced Literacy Briefs published in 2017.

Dr. Lesaux's Presentation Slides