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.
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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.
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Teacher working with young schoolgirl at her desk in class
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English-Language Learners The Science of Reading and English Learners: 3 Takeaways for Policy and Classroom Practice
Two experts joined Education Week for a webinar on best practices for teaching young English learners to read.
Sarah Schwartz, March 6, 2024
5 min read
English-Language Learners Webinar English Learners and the Science of Reading: What Works in the Classroom
ELs & emergent bilinguals deserve the best reading instruction! The Reading League & NCEL join forces on best practices. Learn more in our webinar with both organizations.
March 4, 2024
A teacher writes testing dates on a SMART board at Sutton Middle School in Atlanta on Feb. 13, 2020.
A teacher writes testing dates on a SMART board at Sutton Middle School in Atlanta on Feb. 13, 2020. Emerging classroom technologies are an annual theme at the SXSW EDU conference.
Allison Shelley for EDUimages
Teaching Profession 5 Big Conversations to Expect at SXSW EDU (Plus, an Exciting Debut From EdWeek)
Education stakeholders will discuss the biggest—and thorniest—issues facing schools at the March 4-7 conference.
Madeline Will, February 29, 2024
3 min read
Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, speaks during a presentation of the proposed state spending plan during an announcement in Indianapolis on Jan. 4, 2023.
Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner speaks about a proposed state spending plan on Jan. 4, 2023, in Indianapolis. Indiana tracks students' 3rd grade reading progress and the tools and supports districts are deploying.
Michael Conroy/AP
Reading & Literacy Applying the 'Science of Reading': 3 State Leaders on Putting Policy Into Practice
Officials discussed how their states have attempted a multifaceted approach to reading improvement.
Sarah Schwartz, February 22, 2024
4 min read
First grade students illustrate a story they wrote together in Megan Gose’s classroom at Moorsbridge Elementary School in Portage, Mich., on Nov. 29, 2023.
First grade students illustrate a story they wrote together in Megan Gose’s classroom at Moorsbridge Elementary School in Portage, Mich., on Nov. 29, 2023.
Emily Elconin for Education Week
Reading & Literacy How One District Moved to a 'Knowledge-Building' Curriculum: 3 Key Takeaways
Don't expect teachers to be experts in every subject, and make sure to address comprehension strategies, too, say district leaders.
Sarah Schwartz, February 20, 2024
4 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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Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Foundational Reading Skills?
Answer 9 questions about foundational reading skills.
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A female teacher of Asian ethnicity is helping her multi ethnic group of students with a book to read. They are all dressed casually and are at their school library.
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Teacher Preparation Few Teachers Learn About 'Science of Reading' in Their Prep Programs. Some Colleges Are Working on That
As states and districts mandate evidence-based literacy practices, the burden of training in this approach falls primarily on teachers.
Elizabeth Heubeck, February 16, 2024
6 min read
Reading & Literacy Spotlight Spotlight on Early Childhood Literacy
This Spotlight will help you analyze early literacy gains from tutoring, learn how science of reading can boost achievement, and more.
February 15, 2024
Reading & Literacy Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Structured Literacy?
Answer 7 questions about the whole child approach of connecting schools and communities.
February 12, 2024
A conceptual vector image of a person pronouncing phonemes while another person observes the soundwaves under a magnifying glass.
iStock/Getty Images + Education Week
Reading & Literacy How Much Time Should Teachers Spend on a Foundational Reading Skill? Research Offers Clues
Students benefited from being taught phonemic awareness—recognizing and manipulating the sounds in English—but only up to a point.
Sarah Schwartz, February 9, 2024
4 min read
Reading & Literacy Webinar Oral Language Development: The Missing Link to Supporting Students with Dyslexia 
Dyslexia affects 20% of students. Join our webinar & discover the "missing link" to reading success: oral language development.
February 7, 2024
Gov. Brad Little provides his vision for the 2024 Idaho Legislative session during his State of the State address on Jan. 8, 2024, at the Statehouse in Boise.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little outlines his priorities during his State of the State address before lawmakers on Jan. 8, 2024, at the capitol in Boise.
Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP
States What's on the K-12 Agenda for States This Year? 4 Takeaways
Reading instruction, private school choice, and teacher pay are among the issues leading governors' K-12 education agendas.
Mark Lieberman, January 30, 2024
6 min read
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reads "Snowflakes Fall" to daycare children at the Department of Labor on Dec. 20, 2023, in Albany, N.Y. Hochul on Jan. 3, 2024, said she will push for schools to reemphasize phonics in literacy education programs, a potential overhaul that comes as many states revamp curriculums amid low reading scores.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reads "Snowflakes Fall" to day-care children at the Department of Labor on Dec. 20, 2023, in Albany, N.Y. Hochul on Jan. 3, 2024, said she will push for schools to reemphasize phonics in literacy programs. New York is one of several states introducing new reading plans or proposals in 2024.
Will Waldron/The Albany Times Union via AP
Reading & Literacy The 'Science of Reading' in 2024: 5 State Initiatives to Watch
These actions join a mounting tide of reading legislation across the country.
Sarah Schwartz, January 25, 2024
6 min read