New York, NY – In a significant move to bolster early literacy education, New York State has been selected to join the third cohort of the Hunt Institute’s prestigious “The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy” program. This initiative, a collaboration between the Literacy Academy Collective and the New York State Education Department (NYSED), aims to revolutionize literacy instruction across the state by integrating the science of reading into teacher training programs.
Spearheaded by a distinguished Steering Committee composed of leaders from NYSED, the NY State Legislature, the Governor’s office, higher education institutions, and community advocates, The Path Forward team is committed to developing a comprehensive New York State Action Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for transforming educator preparation and ensuring that every student in New York State gains the essential skills to become proficient readers.
This ambitious policy initiative enjoys the full support of key figures in New York’s education landscape, including Commissioner Rosa, Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., of the New York State Board of Regents, SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr., CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, and New York City Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks. Their collective dedication underscores the state’s commitment to equipping educators with the most effective, evidence-based strategies for literacy instruction.
New York joins a growing movement of eighteen states participating in The Path Forward, signaling a nationwide trend towards prioritizing evidence-based literacy practices. The program emphasizes collaborative efforts and tailored strategies that respect the unique context of each state. Over the next year, New York will collaborate with five other states to develop actionable strategies for embedding the science of reading into their teacher preparation programs. This collaborative process includes intensive coaching, virtual convenings, and an in-person meeting in North Carolina in July 2024. The culmination of this year-long effort will be a customized action plan for New York State, designed for implementation in the years to come.
Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. of the New York State Board of Regents emphasized the critical role of quality instruction in reading achievement, stating, “There are a wide range of factors that directly impact reading achievement, but none greater than equitable access to quality instruction, something every student in New York State deserves… Through our work with the Path Forward Program, we will be better positioned to embed evidence-based literacy instruction in our teacher preparation programs, paving the way for students to be better prepared academically and in life.”
New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa highlighted the collaborative nature of this initiative: “Collaboration will be the driver to building a sustainable, foundational literacy plan that understands the learning process and meets the needs of every student in New York state… We are grateful for the opportunity to work with some of the premier literacy and teacher preparation experts on this comprehensive effort to provide world-class literacy instruction to improve reading outcomes and address the equity gaps that exist in reading skills.”
Ruth Genn, Executive Director of Literacy Academy Collective, emphasized the transformative potential of teacher training: “At LAC, we have seen firsthand the revolutionary power teachers have to change the trajectory of a child’s education through literacy when they receive preparation and training in culturally responsive, evidence-based practices. We are honored to work with such an acclaimed group of education leaders to finally give teachers what they need to reach every student in their classroom.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. outlined SUNY’s commitment to advancing the science of reading: “Improving early literacy is imperative for our students and our future. As the state’s largest teacher preparation provider, SUNY is working hard to advance the science of reading – including launching a new Center of Excellence at SUNY New Paltz and a new micro-credential in the science of reading for current teachers. We are grateful to the Hunt Institute and look forward to working closely with our state partners.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez connected improved teacher training to educational equity: “Preparing more teachers with training in evidence-based practices in literacy is crucial to creating educational equity because it impacts our children’s ability to thrive in and outside of school. CUNY… is pleased to support NYSED, along with the Literacy Academy Collective and Hunt Institute, in this promising initiative to advance the use of the science of reading in early literacy education.”
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon underscored the urgency of addressing literacy rates in New York: “The literacy rate among New York children is at a crisis level, with only 30% of fourth-graders reading proficiently… Imagine what we can accomplish when all our children are taught to read proficiently!”
Dr. Katie Pace Miles, Professor at Brooklyn College, CUNY, emphasized the importance of aligning teacher training with scientific research: “In order to improve literacy outcomes for students, we must be sure that teacher training is aligned with scientific findings. I am very excited that this process will focus on informing teacher training throughout NY State using evidence-based practices.”
Dr. John Strong, Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, expressed his enthusiasm for collaboration: “I am eager to collaborate with stakeholders across New York State through the Path Forward Steering Committee to figure out how we can do a better job of preparing literacy educators to implement evidence-based practices informed by reading science.”
Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute, highlighted the life-changing impact of early literacy: “When a student learns to read early on, it changes their trajectory in life both inside and outside the classroom… Increasing early literacy proficiency for students is critical for ensuring equitable success for all students, and I’m proud to take part in this necessary work.”
Over the coming year, cohort members will delve into key areas such as improving literacy instruction, considering the science of reading for diverse learners, examining levers for change in educator preparation, and designing state action plans for impactful implementation. They will also benefit from interactions with The Path Forward National Advisory Group and nationally recognized experts, fostering collaboration and strengthening their action plans.
This initiative is generously supported by The Barksdale Reading Institute, The Belk Foundation, and The Oak Foundation, underscoring the philanthropic commitment to advancing literacy education.
About The Hunt Institute:
The Hunt Institute, affiliated with the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, is a national leader dedicated to transforming public education. Since 2001, The Institute has convened experts and resources to cultivate visionary leadership and drive strategic action for improved educational outcomes and student success. For further information, visit hunt-institute.org.
About Literacy Academy Collective:
Literacy Academy Collective (LAC) is a non-profit organization based in New York City committed to addressing literacy as a critical civil rights issue. LAC’s mission is to build a network of NYCPS schools that empower struggling readers to achieve academic success through culturally relevant, structured literacy instruction, particularly for students facing challenges at the intersection of race, poverty, and disability. For more information, please visit literacyacademycollective.org.
About the New York State Education Department:
The New York State Education Department (NYSED), a part of the University of the State of New York (USNY), is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge, skills, and opportunities of all New Yorkers. NYSED strives to lead a system that cultivates the best-educated population in the world. Learn more at nysed.gov.
