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.
From kindergarten through third grade, children are learning to read. Then in fourth grade, they transition to use reading to learn.
ExcelinEd’s comprehensive approach to improving literacy outcomes includes strategies that support teachers and administrators, students and families.
States with early literacy programs improving faster than the national average on the NAEP fourth-grade reading assessment.
Mississippi’s increase on the NAEP fourth-grade reading assessment since enacting its early literacy program in 2013.
Reading proficiency in the Magnolia State has increased since 2016.
Increase in Ohio third-grade students reading on grade level since 2016.
This policy toolkit offers resources and tools to support states working to advance a comprehensive early literacy policy.
Nearly all kids can become strong readers if they are taught the right way. In fact, research shows that most children—including those identified with reading difficulties—learn to read when teachers deliver explicit and systematic instruction aligned with the science of reading. Learn how this scientifically based reading instruction is helping states ensure all students leave third grade with the reading skills they need to learn, graduate and succeed.
A new report from Boston University’s Wheelock Educational Policy Center found that students retained in the third grade under Mississippi’s test-based promotion law attained higher English language arts scores over time.
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 Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina and South Carolina or view the summary document for highlights.