New York's bold literacy overhaul targets double-digit reading gains
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged to overhaul the state's literacy teaching methods and raise reading scores by double digits. The move comes as part of her 'Back to Basics' budget legislation, signed in April 2024, which mandates a shift to the 'science of reading' approach in all school districts.
The push for change follows declining reading scores in New York, while other states adopting evidence-based literacy instruction have seen improvements. Hochul's plan requires districts to confirm yearly that their teaching aligns with the science of reading, though local authorities retain control over specific curricula and methods.
The 'science of reading' focuses on explicit phonics instruction, backed by decades of research. This contrasts with the older 'balanced literacy' method, which includes techniques like 'three-cueing'—now widely viewed as less effective. Despite this, a teacher retraining course launched in September 2024 still includes outdated material from the balanced literacy approach. The New York State United Teachers union received $10 million to develop the retraining programme for 20,000 educators. However, critics argue the course fails to reflect current research and continues to promote ineffective strategies.
The new legislation marks a significant shift in New York's literacy education. Districts must now follow the science of reading, though implementation remains in local hands. With $10 million allocated for teacher retraining, the state aims to improve reading outcomes—but the effectiveness of the programme will depend on its alignment with modern research.
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