Kymyona Burk, Ed.D., is a Senior Policy Fellow at ExcelinEd.
After more than two years of learning disruptions, literacy policy is increasingly becoming a vital issue across the country as states, districts and schools race to address learning losses and gaps.
A comprehensive approach to improving literacy outcomes must include strategies for supporting teachers and administrators, students and their families. Often, this presents states with a complex challenge. Today, ExcelinEd released a Comprehensive How-To Guide that will help state policymakers understand the critical elements needed to adopt a comprehensive approach to improving literacy outcomes for students. For education leaders and practitioners, ExcelinEd hopes the guide will support impactful implementation of reading policies by outlining best practices, including strategies that have been successful in other states, and illustrating how the fundamental principles of an early literacy policy can be translated into actionable steps.
Reading is the key to unlock one’s potential in life, and a strong foundation in early literacy skills is a critical component to helping all students unlock their full academic, social and economic potential. This Guide is designed to support policymakers who seek to adopt or strengthen early literacy legislation and state agency leaders and practitioners as they guide early literacy implementation efforts.
