MD's Implementation Report:
16 out of 18
Maryland's Implementation Report
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Supports For Teachers & Policy
Science of Reading (SOR) Training
Literacy/Reading Coaches
Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Alignment
Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Assessment
Funding for Literacy Efforts
Assessment & Parent Notification
Universal Reading Screener
Screener for Characteristics of Dyslexia
Parental Notification
Instruction & Intervention
District Adoption of High-Quality Instructional Materials
Eliminating Three-Cueing Instructional Materials
Individual Reading Plans
Regularly Monitor Student Progress
Evidence-Based Interventions
Summer Reading Camps
Parent Read-At-Home Plan
Retention & Intervention
Initial Determinant Retention at 3rd Grade Based on State Assessment
Multiple Options for Promotion
Good Cause Exemptions for Some Students
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New Hampshire
Example of Best practice
New Hampshire requires schools to utilize an evidence-based screener to screen all students, upon entry to school and no later than 60 days beyond that, in grades K–3 for dyslexia and related disorders. Additional screening during the current school year and then two times per year through 3rd grade for students who show characteristics of dyslexia is also required.
Full implementation means...
A state-approved screener for characteristics of dyslexia assesses the following skills as developmentally appropriate: phonological and phonemic awareness, sound-symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, decoding, rapid naming, encoding, and oral reading fluency. The screener is, at minimum, administered to all students at the end of Kindergarten and the beginning of first and second grade.
Alabama
Example of Best practice
The Yellowhammer State passed the Alabama Literacy Act in 2019 which established summer reading camps and the Alabama Summer Achievement Program (ASAP). All districts must offer summer reading camps, and staff must be trained in scientifically based reading instruction and intervention. Instruction must include at least 60 hours of direct, explicit and systematic reading intervention. ASAP is offered in the lowest five percent of elementary schools. Alabama is particularly noteworthy for their reporting requirements for summer camp.
Full implementation means...
The state requires districts to offer summer reading camps to rising first – fourth grade students at risk of reading failure to remediate learning loss and/or build reading skills. Staff are required to be trained in the science of reading.
How can your state progress?
The Maryland State Board of Education Comprehensive PreK-3 Literacy Policy, adopted in 2024, was a bold step in strengthening early literacy education. Maryland can further strengthen literacy efforts through adoption of summer reading camps and a screener for the characteristics of dyslexia. Last updated: January 2026
In Your Neighborhood
See how the Early Literacy Fundamental Principles impact educators and students in other states.
A comprehensive state early literacy policy can ensure all students enter 4th grade with the foundational reading skills they need to learn, graduate and succeed.
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