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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Staci Pollock teaches reading comprehension to her second grade class at Lacy Elementary in Raleigh, N.C., on May 25, 2022.
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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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
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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
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5 min read
Thu., November 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
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 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
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Thu., November 06, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
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Reading & Literacy Webinar 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.
Content provided by EPS Learning
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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
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5 min read
First grader Aizlynn Castillo works on an assignment in Diana Oviedo-Holguin’s English learner class at Heritage Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas, on Sept. 3, 2025.
First grader Aizlynn Castillo works on an assignment in Diana Oviedo-Holguin’s English-learner class at Heritage Elementary School in San Antonio on Sept. 3, 2025. The school district has embraced the "science of reading" and is applying it to instruction for English learners and in dual-language programs.
Noah Devereaux for Education Week
English Learners How One District Approaches the 'Science of Reading' With English Learners
Leaders shared three guiding principles in a recent Education Week virtual event.
Sarah Schwartz, October 28, 2025
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4 min read
Thu., October 16, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
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 Beyond the Spreadsheet: Turn Early Literacy Data Into Better Reading Outcomes
Learn how to move beyond surface-level numbers to uncover the key insights hiding deep in your students' early literacy data.
Content provided by Ignite Reading
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Students at R. Brown McAllister Elementary School use telephones for phonemic awareness during literary instruction on March 19, 2025, in Concorn, N.C.
Students at R. Brown McAllister Elementary School use telephones for a phonemic awareness lesson on March 19, 2025, in Concorn, N.C. Researchers are homing in on the qualities of high-quality intervention for students who continue to struggle after regular teaching.
Cornell Watson for Education Week
Reading & Literacy What Makes an Effective Reading Intervention? One Researcher's 5 Criteria
Studies highlight targeting specific skills and offering opportunities for practice, among others.
Sarah Schwartz, October 10, 2025
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4 min read
Students at R. Brown McAllister Elementary School use different strategies in phonemic awareness during literary instruction on March 19, 2025, in Concorn, N.C.
Students at R. Brown McAllister Elementary School use different strategies in phonemic awareness during literacy instruction on March 19, 2025, in Concorn, N.C. Teaching spelling in foundational-skills lessons can improve students' reading, research shows.
Cornell Watson for Education Week
Reading & Literacy Why Teaching Spelling Can Boost Students' Reading Skills
New evidence suggests some types of spelling instruction offer bigger payoffs for reading than others.
Sarah Schwartz, October 6, 2025
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3 min read
Kids climbing a pile of books to a higher reading level. Concept vector about education, literacy, and self development.
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Small-Group Reading Instruction Is Not as Effective as You Think
We’re missing out on a golden opportunity—one that could effectively triple literacy instruction overnight.
Mike Schmoker & Timothy Shanahan, September 26, 2025
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5 min read
Reading & Literacy Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Early Structured Literacy Education and Its Lasting Impact?
Answer 7 questions about early structured literacy education and its lasting impact on children
September 25, 2025
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Reading & Literacy Whitepaper Stronger Readers, Stronger Schools: Whitepaper for Literacy Leadership
This whitepaper offers research-based strategies on intervention, motivation, and educator support to help you build stronger readers—and...
Content provided by EPS Learning
Reading & Literacy Spotlight When it Comes to Reading: A Great Start Keeps Kids in the Race!
It takes more than phonics to master literacy. This Spotlight delves into what else can be keys to helping students on that journey.
September 22, 2025
First grader Kamila Reyes works on an assignment in Diana Oviedo-Holguin’s English learner class at Heritage Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas, on Sept. 3, 2025.
First grader Kamila Reyes works on an assignment in Diana Oviedo-Holguin’s dual-language class at Heritage Elementary School in San Antonio, on Sept. 3, 2025. The district is making cross-language connections a central part of its shift to the science of reading.
Noah Devereaux for Education Week
Reading & Literacy How the 'Science of Reading' Can Support English Learners
English learners are sometimes an afterthought in 'science of reading' policies. Some educators want to change that.
Sarah Schwartz, September 22, 2025
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9 min read
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