Overview

NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) launched NYC Reads in the 2023–2024 school year. NYC Reads is a phased, systemwide approach to research-based literacy instruction.

NYCPS is committed to ensuring that every child, in every classroom, has access to high-quality, research-based curricula supported by deep, intensive professional learning for teachers and school leaders. Teaching children to be skilled readers is a critical step toward ensuring that every NYCPS student graduates on a pathway to a rewarding career and long-term economic security, prepared to be a positive force for change in their communities.

Grounded in extensive research, NYC Reads ensures that all children receive the most effective literacy instruction rooted in the Science of Reading. NYC Reads is more than a curriculum rollout; it represents a systemwide investment in excellent instruction, responsive support, and sustained community engagement.

• Why is it important 

• Too many of our elementary school students are not meeting grade-level proficiency in reading and math. In 2022, two-thirds of Black and Latino students were not reading at grade level, and students in temporary housing and other students who have formal gaps in their education can fall behind when moving to a new school using a different curriculum.

Research on the Science of Reading is clear: the most effective literacy instruction is consistent, on-grade level, with a strong emphasis on phonics and reading comprehension. 

• What is the Approach?

• As part of NYC Reads, all early childhood education classrooms are required to adopt a single developmental screener, assessment system, and curriculum.

•  In grades K–5 and as we expand into middle school in grades 6-8, schools implement pre-approved, comprehensive curricula focused on rigorous knowledge building. To ensure students master the mechanics of reading, grades K–2 also adopt an approved foundational skills program to provide the necessary grounding in phonological awareness and decoding.

By integrating deep knowledge building with structured foundational skills, NYC Reads aligns with five critical areas of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. This comprehensive approach ensures that literacy instruction helps students understand and engage with the world around them. Standardizing these evidence-backed options across NYCPS ensures that all students have access to high-quality tools, promotes instructional consistency, and enables stronger coordination of professional learning for teachers and school leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Flyer

Find answers to common questions about the NYC Reads program in this convenient flyer, available in multiple languages.

Resources for Families

There are many resources available for families to continue promoting literacy education at home, and to ensure that your child is getting solid reading instruction.

• Attend an Open House: take opportunities to engage with your school to learn more about what your child is doing in the classroom.
  • We encourage parents to attend Open House nights and other opportunities to engage with the school and school leadership so they can ask questions like, is my child receiving regular, direct instruction in reading and writing? What types of texts are they using? Do they get 30 minutes or more a day to develop these skills?
• Ask your child about their work: Check in with your child and ask if they are enjoying reading and if they understand what they are reading about.
  • Can your child retell the stories they are reading or learning about? If you were to stop your child midway through a text, could they explain what they’re reading about? Can they retell a story that you’re reading with them?
• Practice Understanding: comprehension skills go beyond just books! Children can use art, maps, games, and other media to practice decoding and comprehension skills important to literacy.
• Read! When children see other members of their family reading, writing, and engaging with texts, they are more excited about reading. Reading together is also a great way to build skills outside of the classroom. We also believe that seeing other members of the family reading, writing, and engaging with texts is a great way to encourage students in these skills outside of the classroom.

For more resources to support reading and literacy at home, visit our Literacy page, which provides activities and ideas to help students continue learning beyond the classroom.