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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Restoring Writing in Grades K-3 as a Core Pillar of Literacy
Explore research on handwriting automaticity and sentence construction, plus strategies to improve writing instruction across grades K–3.
Content provided by Learning Without Tears
5th grade classroom in February. A morpheme word sort, sentence combining practice, and syntax surgery.
In a 5th grade classroom at Rock Rest Elementary, near Charlotte, N.C., students practice combining sentences and participate in "syntax surgery" to order the parts of complex sentence.<br/>
Madison Hart, Rock Rest Elementary
Reading & Literacy How a School's Language Lab Teaches Non-Phonics Reading Skills
In 'language lab,' teachers work on vocabulary and syntax to help students understand complex text.
Sarah Schwartz, April 15, 2026
5 min read
Reading & Literacy Quiz Risk vs. Reward: How Defensible Is Your Literacy Strategy?
Build a stronger case for your literacy approach. Test your knowledge of research-driven strategies that support reading success with this quick quiz.
April 13, 2026
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A kindergarten sign is displayed at a school in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Feb. 12, 2026, as classrooms nationwide shift toward more academic instruction and less play.
Kevin Mohatt for Education Week
Early Childhood Q&A What One Researcher Saw Inside 29 Kindergarten Classrooms
Developmental psychologist Susan Engel shares insights from two years in kindergarten classrooms.
Elizabeth Heubeck, April 3, 2026
10 min read
Artificial Intelligence Video Reading Is Hard to Teach. Can AI Help?
Artificial intelligence might be able to drive cars, treat diseases, and train your front door to recognize your face. But can it help kids learn how to read?
Alyson Klein & Yi-Jo Shen, March 27, 2026
1 min read
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