The New York Campaign for Early Literacy
All children can learn to read with instruction aligned to the science of reading, yet many students are denied the right to read — especially Black, Latinx, and Native American students and those from low-income backgrounds.
The New York Campaign for Early Literacy is a statewide movement designed to harness the collective voices of individuals and civil rights, education, parent, and nonprofit organizations to improve student reading outcomes through evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading. The Campaign is devised on the principle that reading is a civil and human right.
Our Equity-Centered Approach
The New York Campaign for Early Literacy seeks policy changes at the state and local levels that promote the use of instruction aligned with the science of reading. To improve reading outcomes and literacy skills in New York State, the Campaign advocates for:
- District-level adoption of instructional materials aligned to the science of reading.
- Professional learning so that all educators in kindergarten through eighth grade are trained in the science of reading.
- Awareness of the importance of emerging literacy for children ages 0-5 and the role it plays in ensuring students enter kindergarten prepared to succeed.
- District and state-level awareness and policies to support older students who are struggling with reading.
- Expansion of high-impact tutoring programs to address pandemic-related unfinished learning and support student reading skills.
- Public transparency and accountability to let families and other stakeholders know what curriculum districts are using to teach reading.
Check out news featuring the New York Campaign for Early Literacy here.
Latest Resource
Webinar: New York Campaign for Early Literacy Virtual Advocacy Day 2025
Parents, district leaders, and advocates came together to discuss the importance of implementing the science of reading in the classroom and the need for new investments in professional learning, curriculum, and teacher preparation.
Featured Reports and Resources Over the Years
Blog: New York Campaign for Early Literacy Members Speak on the Importance of Early Literacy
Report: The Role of Expanded Learning Programs in Improving Early Literacy Outcomes
Report: 2022-23 Western New York Reading Report Card
The New York Campaign for Early Literacy in the News
Data Snapshot
organizations and advocates engaged in the New York Campaign for Early Literacy.
secured for initial state investments for professional development for teachers.
More Resources
New York Must Act Now to Address the Adolescent Literacy Crisis
In its new report titled “Every Grade Counts: The State of Adolescent Literacy in New York,” EdTrust-New York builds on its 2023 early literacy work and highlights the urgent need for bold state and local action. The report urges leaders to provide older students, who were never properly taught how to read in elementary school, with resources and targeted support aligned to the science of reading.
Every Grade Counts: The State of Adolescent Literacy in New York
While the state has invested in aligning early grades (K–3) with the science of reading, we warn that policymakers have overlooked middle and high school students and offer recommendations for state and district leaders to take action.
EdTrust-New York and New York Campaign for Early Literacy Applaud Passage of Bill to Create Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Center, Advancing Equitable Literacy Support for All Students
Research shows that schools diagnose Black students with Dyslexia at only half the rate of White students, denying them equal access to necessary services. We are eager to collaborate with Assemblymember Carroll, Senator Fahey, and NYSED to deliver the evidence-based literacy support all New York students and educators deserve.
EdTrust-New York Responds to One House Budget Bills with Support and a Call for Increased Investment in Education Equity
EdTrust-New York believes the state has not invested enough in an equitable, student-centered education system, despite some positive developments in the recently released One House Budget Bill.
Parent Voices: Two Districts, Two Different Approaches to Literacy Instruction
Literacy stakeholders, including parents and caregivers, are deeply impacted by the choices school districts make regarding curriculum and professional learning. One of the goals of the New York Campaign for Early Literacy is to emphasize the essential role parents and caregivers play in early literacy and to demonstrate how schools can empower families to support their children’s reading development.
New York Campaign for Early Literacy Celebrates Progress and Demands Stronger State Action to Address Literacy Crisis
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.