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.
Kassandra Geyer teaches phonics to her Intervention class for struggling students on Nov. 8, 2024 at Horizon Elementary School in Port Orange, Fla.
A teacher teaches phonics to her intervention class for struggling students on Nov. 8, 2024 at an elementary school in Port Orange, Fla. Research points definitively to phonics as a key part of learning to read—but not how much phonics instruction, or for how long, students should ideally receive.
Zack Wittman for Education Week
Reading & Literacy Phonics Is Crucial. But How Much Is Too Much?
An influential researcher in the science of reading movement is warns schools may be "overteaching" the skill.
Sarah Schwartz, March 11, 2026
6 min read
Dr. Sara Bode (far right) high fives Juri Sleet, 4, after she and Crystal Webb, a kindergarten readiness coordinator talk with Sleet's grandma, Quintina Davis (left) about the literacy screening they gave Sleet at Linden Primary Care Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Sara Bode (far right) high fives Juri Sleet, 4, after she and Crystal Webb, a kindergarten readiness coordinator, talk with Sleet's grandmother, Quintina Davis (left), about the literacy screening they gave Sleet at Linden Primary Care Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.
Jessica Phelps/AP
Early Childhood Q&A Assessing Kindergarten Readiness—During Routine Pediatric Checkups
An Ohio pediatric hospital's clinics assess preschoolers' literacy readiness during routine visits.
Elizabeth Heubeck, March 6, 2026
8 min read
Information overload concept
Education Week + Getty
Reading & Literacy Opinion Has Our Zeal for the Science of Reading Created a Cycle of Confusion?
I’m an Orton-Gillingham-certified teacher. Here’s why the spread of new programs troubles me.
Stacy Davies, March 6, 2026
3 min read
First-graders in Chelsea, Mass. public schools meet with virtual tutors from Ignite Reading in 2025 as part of a study of the program.
First graders in Kelly Elementary School in Chelsea, Mass. meet with virtual tutors from Ignite Reading in 2025 as part of a study of the program. The Chelsea district is now targeting 1st graders for tutoring to make sure all of them meet reading benchmarks by the end of the year.
Courtesy of Chelsea Public Schools
Student Achievement The Case for Reading Tutoring Before 3rd Grade, Not After
New research suggests virtual tutoring can boost literacy learning before kids begin to struggle.
Sarah D. Sparks, February 26, 2026
6 min read
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The Science of Reading 3.0 eBook is Here!
With contributions from 18+ top experts, we are widening the lens on literacy to advance the science of reading movement and reveal the b...
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Students look at books during a book fair at Schaumburg Elementary, part of the ReNEW charter network, in New Orleans, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana have seen a promising turnaround in their student reading scores after passing a series of similar literacy reforms.
Students look at books during a book fair at Schaumburg Elementary, part of the ReNEW charter network, in New Orleans, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana have seen a promising turnaround in their student reading scores after passing a series of similar literacy reforms.
Gerald Herbert/AP
Reading & Literacy Congress Wants to Know What Makes the 'Science of Reading' Work
Experts noted states' careful implementation—and the key role of federal investment in reading research.
Sarah Schwartz, February 10, 2026
6 min read
Reading & Literacy Quiz Quiz Yourself: Is Your Literacy Plan on Track?
Where does your literacy strategy and goals stand? Is it going well, or does it need a little retooling?
January 21, 2026
Reading & Literacy Quiz Quiz Yourself: Is Your District Truly Science of Reading Aligned?
Answer questions on the science of reading alignment in your district, including classroom materials, achievement data, and regulations.
January 15, 2026
Reading & Literacy Spotlight From Decoding to Growth: Every Student’s Journey Forward
This Spotlight highlights what students need to become confident and capable readers, starting with a strong foundation in decoding.
December 31, 2025
Students in Anjanette McNeely's class work on their letters during a reading block at Windridge Elementary School in Kaysville, Utah, on Dec. 4, 2025.
What's the best way to attend to all the elements of the 'science of reading' in a literacy block? Research doesn't specify a specific answer, but kindergarten teacher Anjanette McNeely has designed hers to incorporate foundational skills, content, and writing. McNeely's class works on their letters at Windridge Elementary School in Kaysville, Utah, on Dec. 4, 2025.
Niki Chan Wylie for Education Week
Reading & Literacy How to Build a Reading Block: Two Teachers Share Their Approaches
Studies don't prescribe how best to knit together components of reading—leaving it up to teachers to devise.
Sarah Schwartz, December 8, 2025
7 min read
Deeper learning prepares students to work collaboratively and direct their own learning.
Deeper learning prepares students to work collaboratively and direct their own learning.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed
School & District Management The Top 10 EdWeek Stories of 2025
Readers were highly engaged in stories about reading strategies, and the impact of deep federal cuts to education programs.
November 17, 2025
5 min read
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A Blueprint for Structured Literacy: Building a Shared Vision for Classroom Success—Presented by the International Dyslexia Association
Leading experts and educators come together for a dynamic discussion on how to make Structured Literacy a reality in every classroom.
Content provided by Wilson Language Training
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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Scaling Reading Intervention at High-Need Districts
Learn how to scale research-driven reading interventions to support every student, even in high-need districts with limited resources.
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Image of a student reading in the library.
New research suggests that exercises in phonemic awareness may be more impactful when connected to print and purposeful phonics teaching.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed
Reading & Literacy A Popular Method for Teaching Phonemic Awareness Doesn't Boost Reading
In a new study, a highly used program didn't lead to improvements in students' word-reading abilities.
Sarah Schwartz, November 4, 2025
5 min read