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.
Female teacher reads to multi-cultural elementary school students sitting on floor in class at school
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Reading & Literacy For Now, California Won't Mandate 'Science of Reading.' Here's What Happened
The California Teachers Association was one of the bill's most prominent opponents.
Lauraine Langreo, April 17, 2024
6 min read
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Reading & Literacy Webinar
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.
Content provided by Otus
A 1st grade teacher speaks with a student about an assignment at Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 2017.
A 1st grade teacher speaks with a student about an assignment at Capital City Public Charter School in the District of Columbia in 2017.
Allison Shelley/All4Ed
Reading & Literacy Q&A Want to Improve Reading Proficiency? Talk to Kids More
Education researcher Sonia Cabell explains how effective classroom conversations can boost reading proficiency.
Elizabeth Heubeck, April 15, 2024
4 min read
Illustration of young boy reading and repeat icon.
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Reading & Literacy Opinion Reading Fluency: The Neglected Key to Reading Success
A reading researcher asks whether dismal reading results could stem from the fact that decoding doesn't automatically lead to comprehension.
Timothy Rasinski, April 11, 2024
5 min read
Headshots of 15 superintendents that Philip Cutler interviewed
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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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School & District Management Sponsor
Insights from the 15 Superintendents Shaping the Future
The 2023-2024 school year represents a critical inflection point for K-12 education in the United States. With the expiration of ESSER funds on the horizon and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning processes, educators and administrators face a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
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Reading & Literacy Spotlight Spotlight on How Reading and Writing Fuel Each Other
This Spotlight will help you learn the benefits of tutoring on reading skills; identify how to build students’ reading stamina; and more.


April 1, 2024
Image shows a multi-tailed arrow hitting the bullseye of a target.
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Policy & Politics Opinion What Do Leading Edu-Scholars Think About DEI, Reading, and Research?
An informal survey of the 2024 RHSU Edu-Scholars reveals vast differences in their perspectives.
Rick Hess, April 1, 2024
3 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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Reading & Literacy Whitepaper
Putting the Science of Reading into Practice
Dive into this playbook for expert advice on how to align assessments and instruction with the Science of Reading.
Content provided by Renaissance
Group of 7 diverse elementary children sitting in library, reading books, side view of kids on red couches with books.
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Reading & Literacy What's Missing From States' Reading Laws? The Role of Content Knowledge
Content is a critical part of reading—and should be name-checked by lawmakers, reading researchers say.
Stephen Sawchuk, March 28, 2024
3 min read
Image shows a multi-tailed arrow hitting the bullseye of a target.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Federal Opinion Student Literacy Rates Are Concerning. How Can We Turn This Around?
The ranking Republican senator on the education committee wants to hear from educators and families about making improvements.
Rick Hess, March 25, 2024
6 min read
Teacher working with young schoolgirl at her desk in class
iStock / Getty Images Plus
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