Early Literacy

Why Does Early Literacy Matter?

Reading is the gateway to learning. If our children can’t read, they don’t stand a chance for a successful future. A comprehensive early literacy policy includes strategies to support teachers and administrators, students and their families. Learn how your state can ensure that students have the foundational reading skills needed to learn, graduate and succeed.

Ensuring All Students Can Read by Fourth Grade

From kindergarten through third grade, children are learning to read. Then in fourth grade, they transition to use reading to learn. 

How Can State Education Leaders Support All Readers?

ExcelinEd’s comprehensive approach to improving literacy outcomes includes strategies that support teachers and administrators, students and families.

What They Are Saying

“Mississippi’s recent NAEP scores reflect the effective implementation of Mississippi’s literacy policies and strategies to improve student achievement. The state led the work to build the capacity of our teachers, and they have done an outstanding job equipping students to become strong readers.”

Dr. Carey Wright

Mississippi State Superintendent of Education

“Literacy is central to any child’s education. It is a foundational building block in the education our children need to face the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead of them in 21st-century America. The Reading Improvement Act will help ensure that our students have the skills they need to achieve their dreams.”

Governor Pete Ricketts

Nebraska Office of the Governor

“Each child in Idaho deserves to have the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. I am proud to support Idaho’s talented educators in working to ensure every student can read at grade level by third grade, setting our students on a path of achievement for their lifetime.”

Gov. Brad Little

Idaho Office of the Governor

Real Results

3

States with early literacy programs improving faster than the national average on the NAEP fourth-grade reading assessment.

11 Points

Mississippi’s increase on the NAEP fourth-grade reading assessment since enacting its early literacy program in 2013.

16 Points

Reading proficiency in the Magnolia State has increased since 2016.

SOURCE: Mississippi Department of Education
12%

Increase in Ohio third-grade students reading on grade level since 2016.

SOURCE: Ohio Department of Education

Policy Solutions  

POLICY PLAYBOOK 

This policy toolkit offers resources and tools to support states working to advance a comprehensive early literacy policy.  

Early Literacy Impact in the States

ExcelinEd has released a series of impact studies examining the effects of comprehensive K-3 reading policies in seven states. Studies include input from state departments of education, superintendents, staff and educators.

Read individual studies from ColoradoIndianaMichiganMississippiNevadaNorth Carolina and South Carolina or view the summary document for highlights.

Early Literacy at National Summit

Ensuring that each student can read by the end of the third grade is key to a child’s—and a state’s—success. And failure to meet this goal will result in serious, yet preventable, education and economic problems for both. The good news is that states across the country are establishing comprehensive and proven K-3 literacy policies to identify struggling readers early and put at-risk students on the path to a brighter future. In this session, learn about the newest findings in early literacy and how state chiefs are doubling down to improve reading outcomes for all students.

Early Literacy Videos

Reading matters for children. Learn why these policymakers and education advocates prioritize reading with their families.

Meet the Experts