Strengthening Teacher Preparedness: The Educator Preparation Program Literacy Policy Playbook 

The foundation of student achievement is established long before a teacher enters the classroom. For most aspiring teachers, it begins with an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). As states face the significant, ongoing challenge of improving literacy rates, one solution lies in a commitment to evidence-based instruction. 

To support state leaders in this transition, ExcelinEd has released the Educator Preparation Program Literacy Policy Playbook (2025). This resource serves as a comprehensive guide for State Educational Agencies (SEAs) and institutions of higher education to ensure that every new teacher entering the workforce is equipped with knowledge and skills grounded in the science of reading. 

The Cycle of Preparedness: From EPPs to the K-12 Classroom

The quality of instruction in our schools is linked to the quality of training provided to our future educators. When teacher candidates have been prepared with knowledge, materials and tools grounded in the science of reading—a vast, interdisciplinary body of research on how the brain learns to read—they enter the classroom ready to break the cycle of low literacy achievement. 

By aligning EPP coursework with evidence-based practices and high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), states can ensure that the next generation of teachers and administrators are prepared on their first day in a classroom. This playbook provides the specific policy levers needed to turn this vision into a reality for your state.

Moving Toward Evidence-Based Teacher Preparation

Currently, only eight states have fully integrated requirements for both EPP coursework alignment and rigorous, science of reading-aligned licensure assessments. The EPP Policy Playbook provides the necessary architecture to bridge this gap, organized into three strategic pillars: 

1. Laying the Foundation. Successful reform begins with clear, high-quality standards. This section helps states define the core components of reading instruction—including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension—and integrate them into program approval requirements. 
2. Supporting Implementation Efforts. Transitioning to a program that aligns with the science of reading requires partnership. The playbook highlights how states can provide ongoing support to EPPs, ensuring faculty have access to High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and the professional development needed to shift instructional models effectively. 
3. Evaluating Effectiveness. To ensure long-term success, states must measure the outcomes of their policies. We outline how to use candidate licensure data and classroom performance metrics to create a transparent, data-driven feedback loop for continuous improvement. 

What You’ll Find in the Playbook

The playbook offers a phased approach to literacy related EPP reform with actionable strategies and successful state models: 

• Standards Alignment: Guidance on updating state Reading and ELA standards to reflect scientifically based reading instruction. 
• Collaborative Implementation: Frameworks for SEAs to partner with EPPs, offering faculty support and technical assistance. 
• Quality Assurance: Methods for evaluating program effectiveness through licensure assessments and performance data. 

The playbook also offers State Case Studies, which presents in-depth looks at successful implementation in states like North Carolina, Florida and Kansas.

💡 Exploring the Comprehensive Literacy Model

Educator preparation is an essential pillar of a robust literacy strategy. To explore the full scope of our policy recommendations, visit EarlyLiteracyMatters.org. There, you can interact with our 18 Policy Principles, which provide a holistic framework for state-level literacy success, and find out how your state compares to other states across the nation.

Partner with ExcelinEd to Improve Literacy Policy

ExcelinEd is a strategic partner for state leaders dedicated to literacy reform. Our team of experts is ready to help you adapt the recommendations in this playbook to fit your state’s governance structure and needs. 

Would you like to discuss how to implement these EPP reforms in your state? Connect with our literacy team for a briefing or to request technical assistance in your state.

Recommended External Resources: 

• NAEP Reading Results & Analysis 
• National Council on Teacher Quality: EPP Clinical Practice 
• The Science of Reading: A Defining Guide