AK's Implementation Report:
15 out of 18
Alaska'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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Arkansas
Example of Best practice
The Natural State adopted Act 416 of 2017 which requires all K–6 and special education teacher candidates to pass a stand-alone teaching reading assessment — the Foundations of Reading. The test is aligned to scientifically-based reading research and assesses candidates' proficiency in and depth of understanding of reading and writing development. The state education agency (SEA) provided strategic support to help educator preparation programs (EPPs) align with state requirements. The SEA deployed literacy specialists and staff from the Educator Effectiveness Unit to problem-solve with EPP leaders and LETRS training was made available to EPPs.
Full implementation means...
Elementary education candidates must pass a science of reading aligned assessment to obtain teacher licensure.
Louisiana
Example of Best practice
In 2022, Louisiana enacted HB 865, eliminating the use of textbooks or instructional materials that employ the three-cueing systems model of teaching reading based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual, which is also known as “MSV,” are used in reading instruction.
Full implementation means...
The state has adopted a policy to eliminate the use of all instructional materials that include the three-cueing systems model for teaching word reading with a clear timeline for the elimination of the use of these materials.
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?
Alaska passed legislation in 2022 to improve early literacy. To advance implementation, the state agency should consider building sufficient infrastructure to support schools and districts. Opportunities remain to adopt a strong assessment for candidates for educator licensure and policy to ban three-cueing instructional practices and materials. The state should consider adopting summer reading camps for struggling readers and removing universal screeners as an indicator for retention.
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.
Support the policy work needed to achieve student success in your state