“The new policy adopted by Maryland’s Board of Education addresses the state’s reading crisis head-on by equipping students and educators with the tools, training and resources necessary to strengthen foundational reading skills. This comprehensive approach to early literacy allows teachers to identify struggling readers early on and provides a clear, step-by-step process for targeted interventions that will help students get and stay on track.”
“I am grateful to Dr. Carey Wright and the Maryland Board of Education for their holistic approach to literacy development, which will set the foundation for long-term reading success and ensure every student has the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.”
About the Policy
The Maryland State Board of Education Comprehensive K-3 Literacy Policy strengthens early literacy education. Key requirements of the policy include:
- Schools administer a universal screener three times a year to all students in grades K-3 to identify students who may demonstrate a reading difficulty.
- Annual screening for characteristics of dyslexia in grades K-3.
- Educators demonstrate proficiency in reading instruction aligned with the science of reading to receive a teaching license.
- Educators receive training in the science of reading.
- Coaching to support educators with implementation of the science of reading.
- All K-3 students receive evidence-based reading instruction.
- Each K-3 student who exhibits difficulties in reading receives additional instruction and evidence-based interventions through a targeted plan.
- Schools notify parents/guardians in writing of any K-3 student who shows difficulty reading no later than two weeks after the reading deficiency is identified.
- Students must be proficient in reading at the end of the third grade prior to promotion, with some exemptions.
