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.
Image of an adult working with students in the library.
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Reading & Literacy 'Science of Reading' Reforms Show Student Gains in California, Study Finds
The research provides some of the first evidence that efforts to bring reading teaching in line with research have raised achievement.
Sarah Schwartz, December 4, 2023
6 min read
Photo of mother working with young son on his reading.
E+ / Getty
Reading & Literacy U.S. Parents Think Reading Instruction Is Going OK—Until They See National Test Results
Most parents also seem to favor phonics as an approach to word-reading, a new survey finds.
Sarah Schwartz, November 14, 2023
5 min read
Side view of mixed ethnicity school kids sitting on cushions against bookshelves and reading  books in a library.
iStock/Getty Images Plus
Reading & Literacy 'Science of Reading' and English-Learner Advocates Reach Common Ground
Two groups have aimed to find consensus in one contested area of the reading wars.
Sarah Schwartz, November 3, 2023
4 min read
Conceptual illustration of student standing in front of computer for online tutoring.
Irina Strelnikova/iStock/Getty
Reading & Literacy What the Research Says A Virtual Tutoring Program Boosted Early Literacy Skills. New Research Shows How
A first-of-a-kind study in the early grades finds that an intensive remote tutoring can improve reading skills.
Sarah D. Sparks, October 31, 2023
3 min read
Reading & Literacy Video What Is the Orton-Gillingham Method for Teaching Reading?
As states move to "science-based" reading approaches, a program developed for dyslexic students gains wider traction. See it in action.
4 min read
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a news conference, Feb. 21, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. At least part of a Republican-backed overhaul of Ohio’s K-12 education system will take effect as planned, despite a court order Monday, Oct. 2, delaying the changes after a lawsuit said they violate the constitution. DeWine says that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will replace the Ohio Department of Education on Oct. 3, and assures that operations like school funding, employee paychecks and other functions will continue.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine speaks during a news conference, Feb. 21, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. His administration has sought to overhaul reading instruction; those plans now face pushback from some educators and training groups.
Matt Freed/AP
Reading & Literacy Reading Recovery Sues Ohio Over Ban on 'Cueing' in Literacy Instruction
The state is a key market for the teacher-training organization, which has used now-banned, context-based reading methods in its program.
Sarah Schwartz, October 18, 2023
5 min read
English-Language Learners Video 5 Tips for Teaching Reading to English Learners
A bilingual speech-language pathologist offers five tips for teachers to help EL students learn to read.
2:53
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
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An elementary student reads independently during class on Jan. 23, 2020 in Los Angeles.
An elementary student reads independently during class on Jan. 23, 2020, in Los Angeles.
Allison Shelley for EDUimages
Reading & Literacy From Our Research Center We Asked Educators How They Define the 'Science of Reading.' Here's What They Said
The array of responses demonstrate that many educators don't agree on what the term actually means.
Sarah Schwartz, October 11, 2023
6 min read
Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters presides over a special state Board of Education meeting to discuss the U.S. Department of Education's "Proposed Change to its Title IX Regulations on Students' Eligibility for Athletic Teams" on April 12, 2023, in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters presides over a state Board of Education meeting on April 12, 2023, in Oklahoma City.
Sue Ogrocki/AP
Reading & Literacy With Moms for Liberty Endorsement, ‘Science of Reading’ Faces More Political Controversy
The endorsement from the conservative organization known for challenging books raises some thorny issues for the bipartisan movement.
Sarah Schwartz, October 9, 2023
5 min read
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