Upcoming Roundtable — The future of grading: When failure is not an option — Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. | Register Today!
EXPLORE: REMOTE'S IMPACT ON THE YOUNGESTQuick Guides
Curriculum
Topic

Literacy

Standardized tests continue to show that a majority of California students perform below grade level in measures of reading and literacy. The issue of literacy is also often woven into other concerns about student performance and proficiency.
Commentary
October 27, 2021

Literacy is a gradual, growing investment in lifelong opportunity

Literacy is akin to a bank account. Small but consistent deposits add up. The more deposits we make, the more the account grows to be drawn upon later.

Miah Daughtery
Learning Well: Beyond the Pandemic
October 26, 2021

Can you teach reading on Zoom?

High-tech literacy projects emerged out of the pandemic as a way to ensure young students stay on track as they learn to read.

Karen D'Souza
Commentary
October 20, 2021

To improve literacy, focus on writing

Whereas reading is knowledge, writing is agency, power and influence.

Bita Nazarian, Jaime Balboa and Laura Brief
Commentary
October 5, 2021

California’s new reading goal is achievable, but it needs to be more meaningful

The state has taken great care to develop standards and exams in line with the expectations of colleges and employers. Now is the moment for policymakers to ensure their education goals match the state’s economic development needs.

David Wakelyn
California's Reading Dilemma
October 4, 2021

Inside one California school's approach to reading as a 'civil right'

Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond is revamping its literacy program this year with a greater emphasis on phonics both in lessons and one-on-one intervention, as well as on classroom discussion and grade-level, culturally relevant texts.

Ali Tadayon
English Learners
September 24, 2021

Why phonics instruction is not enough for English learners

While other students already know the words they are sounding out, English learners may be learning to sound out words they don’t understand.

Zaidee Stavely
California's Reading Dilemma
September 22, 2021

State superintendent sets goal to get all California third graders reading by 2026

State officials eye legislation aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of struggling early readers.

Ali Tadayon
Learning Well: Beyond the Pandemic
August 18, 2021

What impact will the pandemic have on early literacy? 

Experts share insights on how parents and teachers can help kids — especially those who may be behind — learn to read as they go back to school.

Karen D'Souza
Commentary
July 21, 2021

Why reading at grade level shouldn't be our only goal

While other measures are important, the key questions most parents should ask are “Is my child growing as a reader?” and “Is my child developing a love of reading?”

Malbert Smith
Teacher Voices
June 29, 2021

Reading gain in the era of learning loss

Students can make impressive gains in reading even under difficult circumstances if guided and encouraged to think for themselves.

Mark Gozonsky
K-3 Grades
June 11, 2021

LA Unified expands early literacy program

An early literacy program launched as a pilot with 2,500 students has proved successful enough to expand to 14,000 students in coming months.

Betty Márquez Rosales
Expanded Learning
May 17, 2021

Summer school plans hinge on teacher energy

California school districts have plenty of money for robust summer school programs this year, but teachers may just be too tired to sign up.

Diana Lambert
Coronavirus
May 10, 2021

Students, community organizations ask judge to order mental health services, internet access

The lawsuit argues top education officials must monitor districts to see that billions in Covid relief address students' pressing needs.

John Fensterwald
Testing and Accountability
January 14, 2021

California school officials push for standardized testing waiver amid Covid-19 spike

California education officials voted to shorten annual tests in math and reading after federal officials said waivers would not be available in 2021.

Sydney Johnson
English Learners
December 7, 2020

Preschoolers learning English need to be identified, supported, says California’s master plan

The plan for the first time calls for requiring preschool programs to identify and report the languages spoken by children enrolled.

Zaidee Stavely