District implements comprehensive literacy strategy to boost reading levels for all students

A bold new initiative to enhance literacy instruction in New York schools was a focal point at the Board of Education's regular meeting on March 25, 2025. The discussion centered on the implementation of a tiered instructional approach aimed at improving reading skills among students, particularly those entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.

Board members emphasized the importance of providing high-quality, evidence-based instruction from the outset. The goal is to reduce the need for remediation later on by ensuring that all students receive effective tier 1 instruction. This foundational teaching is designed to meet the diverse needs of learners, potentially lowering the number of students requiring special education services.

Key to this initiative is the introduction of Wilson reading training for teachers, with plans to have two trained educators in each school. This strategy aims to address the needs of students who are significantly behind in reading, ensuring they receive targeted support. The board also discussed the necessity of measurable outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of these new methods, including tracking improvements in reading scores and overall student progress.

As the conversation shifted to middle and high school students, concerns were raised about those not meeting grade-level expectations. The board acknowledged that addressing literacy at these levels would be more challenging but stressed the importance of partnering with the Reading League to implement evidence-aligned strategies across all grades.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to begin implementing these practices immediately, ensuring that every student in the district receives the support they need to succeed academically. This proactive approach aims to foster a culture of literacy that empowers students and prepares them for future academic challenges.