NYC Reads
Overview
Beginning in the 2023–24 school year, New York City Public Schools launched an initiative called NYC Reads. Our goal is to ensure that all New York City students become strong readers, which is the single most important skill required for educational, career, and lifetime success. Based on extensive research, NYC Reads ensures that pre-k and elementary school students receive the most effective reading instruction materials and methods.
Phasing in over two years, NYC Reads requires all early childhood education classrooms to adopt a single, uniform curriculum called The Creative Curriculum, while K-5 schools will use one of three pre-approved, phonics-based reading curricula that have proven to be effective. The new literacy program was implemented in 15 community school districts in 2023-24, and expanded the following school year to all districts.
Why is this important?
Too many of our elementary school students are not meeting grade level proficiency in reading and math. Two-thirds of Black and Latino students are 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.
The science of reading is clear that the most effective approach to building literacy includes consistent, age-appropriate instruction with a focus on phonics and decoding.
By standardizing curriculum options across all New York City public school districts, we can ensure that all students have access to the tools they need to build strong reading and writing skills and that instruction is consistent from grade to grade and school to school, offering our city’s students a more level playing field. Focusing on select curricula aligned to these proven practices not only ensures students will be receiving consistent, research-backed instruction, but allows for better coordination of professional support for teachers in successfully implementing these lessons in the classroom.
What are the goals of this program?
Our goal is to ensure that every student in every classroom has access to quality, research-based curricula selected through collaboration between superintendent and principals that is supported by deep, intensive training and support. Teaching our children to be skilled readers is an absolutely essential step in ensuring each New York City Public Schools student graduates on a pathway to a rewarding career and long-term economic security, equipped to be a positive force for change.
What is the “science of reading?”
The “science of reading” refers to a broad collection of research that is focused on helping children become better readers and writers through evidence-based practice. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, nor is it tied to a specific program or curriculum. While phonics is an important part of literacy instruction, it is not the only important part of the science of reading, which suggests that there are five key concepts for students to learn to be effective readers and writers: understanding letter sounds; decoding words; building vocabulary; reading fluently; and comprehending what you read.
About the Curricula
A curriculum is how standards, or learning goals, for every grade and subject are translated into day-to-day activities. As part of the NYC Reads initiative, all early childhood programs will use The Creative Curriculum. All elementary schools will choose a comprehensive, evidence-based curricula for reading instruction that includes grounding in phonics.
Each curriculum has been reviewed and met expectations by EdReports, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization. You can learn more about each of the elementary school curriculum options below: