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

Project

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.
Classroom Technology K-12 Essentials Forum Reading Instruction and AI: New Strategies for the Big Education Challenges of Our Time
Join the conversation as experts in the field explore these instructional pain points and offer game-changing guidance for K-12 leaders and educators.
October 12, 2023
Two elementary students read together on a bench at UCLA on Jan. 21, 2020 in Los Angeles.
Two elementary students read together on a bench at UCLA on Jan. 21, 2020 in Los Angeles.
Allison Shelley for EDUimages
School & District Management Video How This Superintendent Overhauled Literacy Instruction
This Kentucky superintendent made overhauling literacy instruction a top priority. Two years later, he’s already seeing results.
Elizabeth Heubeck & Lauren Santucci, September 29, 2023
3:16
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Reading & Literacy Opinion Tired of the Reading Wars? Become a Conscientious Objector
Teachers' obligation is to their students. The research combined with the knowledge of individual students should be the guide.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 19, 2023
14 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Reading & Literacy Opinion Teachers, You Don't Need to Choose Sides in the Reading Wars
Instead of arguing over who's right, let's focus attention on expanding knowledge about unresolved instructional issues.
Larry Ferlazzo, September 12, 2023
12 min read
Reading & Literacy Spotlight Spotlight on The Science of Reading
This Spotlight will help you gain insight into science of reading implementation and more.

September 1, 2023
Hispanic school teacher reading aloud to her young students
E+/Getty
Reading & Literacy 3rd Grade Reading Retention: Why the Research Is Complicated
Retention laws are common—about half of the states in the country have a policy. They’re also controversial.
Sarah Schwartz, August 29, 2023
5 min read
Education Week opinion letters submissions
Gwen Keraval for Education Week
Reading & Literacy Letter to the Editor Informed Literacy Leadership Matters
Intentional leadership can help ensure discussions on how to teach reading remain civil, fact-based, and focused on what's best for kids.
August 29, 2023
1 min read
Reading & Literacy Webinar Reading and Retention Mandates: Is it Effective?
Learn how states are overhauling how reading is taught, and why one component—holding back students who aren’t reading on grade level—is among the most controversial requirements.
August 28, 2023
Reading & Literacy Webinar How Schools Can Invest in Improving Student Literacy
Seeking solutions for improving student reading? Discover effective strategies for literacy instruction and cost navigation.
August 22, 2023
Point Roberts Elementary School teacher Jessie Hettinga works with a group of first, second and third graders on reading at the school in Point Roberts, Wa., on Sept. 28, 2017.
Point Roberts Elementary School teacher Jessie Hettinga works with a group of first, second, and third graders on reading at the school in Point Roberts, Wash., on Sept. 28, 2017.
Philip A. Dwyer/The Bellingham Herald via AP
Reading & Literacy Classroom Reading Groups: What Works and What Doesn't
Studies show that leveled reading groups don't support struggling students. So what should grouping look like in the reading classroom?
Sarah Schwartz, August 15, 2023
10 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.
Sponsor
Reading & Literacy Whitepaper
Implementing the Science of Reading with Unique Learners
For the Science of Reading, whether you're looking to start or for ways to improve your current implementation, our webinar can help!
Content provided by n2y
Illustration of boy juggling books and letters.
F. Sheehan for EdWeek / Getty
Reading & Literacy Opinion A Focus on Phonics or Comprehension? What Reading Research Should Look Like in Practice
Children do need phonics instruction. But, it should happen in the context of real reading, write two researchers.
Elena Forzani & Andrea Bien, August 10, 2023
5 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.
Sponsor
Reading & Literacy Whitepaper
Aligning to Science of Reading Practices: Roles & Responsibilities
This guide provides specific, structured questions, considerations, and action steps for district leaders, school site leaders, classroom...
Content provided by Dreambox Learning
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten gives an address during the AFT Together Educating America’s Children conference, in Washington, D.C., on Friday, July 21, 2023.
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten speaks during the union's Together Educating America’s Children conference, in Washington on Friday, July 21, 2023. The nation's second largest teachers' union held the conference, attempting to propose solutions in response to criticism the union and its leaders have sustained from conservative politicians and activists.
Graeme Sloan for Education Week
Teaching Profession AFT Head Wants to Show She's Focused on Solutions to K-12's Challenges
Randi Weingarten attacked conservatives in a speech while responding to criticism by saying teachers are responsible for finding solutions.
Libby Stanford, July 21, 2023
6 min read