While last year’s progress marked a starting point, New York must follow the example of other states that have made comprehensive, multi-year investments in the science of reading, beginning with the inclusion of $26 million this year to support the Campaign’s priorities in professional learning, curriculum, and teacher preparation.
Since the Campaign’s launch, key accomplishments have directly impacted early literacy, with tangible successes achieved across the state:
- Back to Basics:
The passage of landmark state legislation secured $10 million for professional development, benefiting an estimated 26,000 teachers. This legislation also requires all districts to certify that they are using instructional materials align with the science of reading by September 2025.
State leaders have actively collaborated to integrate the science of reading into educator preparation programs and certification requirements, transforming how new teachers are trained to teach reading.
- New York State Education Department (NYSED) Literacy Initiative:
NYSED has developed a best practices guide, curriculum review guide and published a series of literacy briefs on the science of reading, providing critical support to districts statewide.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library:
The state budget allocated $500,000 last year and proposed an additional $6.5 million in this year’s proposed Executive Budget, to expand access to this proven book distribution program, which benefits children aged 0-5.
- Dyslexia Task Force and Legislation:
The state budget established a task force focused on dyslexia, recommending strategies for districts and passing legislation to ensure insurers cover the costs of diagnostic testing for dyslexia.
- NYCReads Initiative:
The Campaign’s awareness-building efforts have been integral in the early implementation of NYCReads, with many partners collaborating to support its ambitious rollout across New York City.
“EdTrust-New York began its early literacy efforts in 2022, when few state leaders acknowledged the state’s reading crisis or the misalignment with the science of reading. While we take pride in the progress we have made alongside our partners in the New York Campaign for Early Literacy, much more needs to be done. The progress thus far is inadequate, especially for students of color—particularly Black, Latinx and Native American students, and those from low-income backgrounds. State leaders must urgently act to build on last year’s progress by prioritizing investments in literacy, both this year and as part of a long-term strategy, as other states have already done,” said Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, Executive Director of EdTrust-New York.
The Campaign calls for the following priorities in the 2026 budget to expand on last year’s Back to Basics initiative:
- $15 million in grants for PreK-8 educators to receive free science of reading micro-credentials, with priority for those developed by SUNY, CUNY, and other New York-based organizations.
- $10 million for “high-needs” districts to purchase evidence-based PreK-5 literacy curriculum and provide professional learning, focusing on replacing disproven balanced literacy programs.
- $1 million to increase NYSED staffing to support the shift to science of reading-aligned programs and policies.
“State leaders must find a new sense of urgency to address New York’s reading crisis. Supporting students, educators, and families in the shift to the science of reading requires more than a one-year investment. We urge the Governor and Legislature to include the Campaign’s $26 million budget request in this year’s budget. This modest investment would ensure that more educators and students have access to the evidence-based training and instruction they deeply deserve,” said Jeff Smink, Deputy Director of EdTrust-New York.
The New York Campaign for Early Literacy collaborated with key partners like Educators for Excellence, Reading Partners, ExpandED, and Read Alliance to support the success of the NYCReads initiative. The Campaign also hosted events such as a webinar with InsideSchools, an interview with the Center for NYC Affairs, and screenings of The Right to Read in Schenectady, Rochester, Troy, and New York City, bringing hundreds of community members together to discuss the state’s literacy crisis.
In partnership with the NYS Network for Youth Success, the Campaign developed a policy brief and held a webinar highlighting the role of expanded learning and afterschool programs in improving literacy outcomes. The Campaign also co-branded a one-pager with the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, showing how local Ys help bridge literacy gaps.
New York continues to lag behind the nation in reading outcomes and alignment with the science of reading. In the 2024 NAEP Reading exam, 41% of New York 4th graders scored at the lowest performance level, with over half of Black and Latinx students scoring at this level. States like Mississippi and Louisiana, which outperform New York in 4th grade Reading, have made significant strides by investing over multiple years in instruction, professional learning, and teacher preparation. With momentum growing, EdTrust-New York is committed to advocating for policies and long-term investments that improve early literacy for all students in the state. Ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders, continued legislative support, and the dedication of teachers and communities will ensure every student receives literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading.
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Advancing Early Literacy in New York: Campaign Progress and the Path Forward
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About The New York Campaign for Early Literacy
The New York Campaign for Early Literacy, convened by EdTrust–New York, is designed to harness the collective voice of New Yorkers committed to better reading outcomes by seeking policy change at the state and local levels through the adoption of evidence-based instruction and materials aligned with the science of reading from birth onward; subsequent professional learning for educators; and improved public transparency regarding literacy materials used in classrooms. A diverse group of individuals and civil rights, education, parent, and nonprofit organizations comprise the Campaign, which unites around the principle that reading is a civil and human right and all children can learn to read by the end of third grade with evidence-based instruction and holistic support inside and outside of school, beginning at birth.
About EdTrust-New York
EdTrust-New York is dedicated to eliminating equity and opportunity gaps that hinder students from reaching their full potential. We focus on ensuring that all students, especially Black, Latinx, Native American students and those from low-income backgrounds achieve high levels of success from early childhood through college. For more information, visit EdTrustNY.org.