Chapter 12. New York State Department of Education Standards In and On Literacy

Albert H. White, Jr.

Chapter 12. New York State Department of Education Standards In and On Literacy

Albert H. White, Jr.

Hyperlink to NY State Education Standards: https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction

Standards vs. Curriculum

Distinguishing Standards from Curriculum

The New York State Learning Standards establish what students should know and be able to do—they define learning outcomes and competencies. However, these standards are not prescriptive curricula. The New York State Education Department does not mandate, advocate for, or endorse specific curriculum frameworks or instructional approaches. Instead, curriculum and instructional design decisions are decentralized and made at the local level. Individual districts and schools possess the autonomy to design, select, or develop curricula and instructional materials that address the unique needs of their student populations while ensuring alignment with state learning standards.

Defining Curriculum

Curriculum refers to the comprehensive scope and sequence of learning experiences designed within a course or grade level to enable students to achieve the knowledge and skills outlined in applicable learning standards. Curricula are typically organized into units and lessons, and they encompass:

Scope: An outline of the content, concepts, and skills to be addressed
Sequence: The logical order and progression in which content is taught
Time allocation: The duration dedicated to each instructional component
Instructional resources: Materials and tools employed throughout instruction
Assessment strategies: Methods for evaluating student learning

In New York State, curriculum development and adoption occur at the local level, and all curricula must demonstrate alignment with applicable State Learning Standards.

Curricular Materials

Curricular materials are the concrete educational resources and tools that support classroom instruction and student learning. These include:

Textbooks and supplementary texts
Multimedia and digital content
Online platforms and resources
Workbooks and practice materials
Instructor manuals and guides
Lesson plans and activity templates

Curriculum Guidance

Curriculum guidance encompasses support systems and resources designed to assist educators, schools, and districts in developing, refining, and strengthening standards-based curriculum, instruction, and learning experiences. Curriculum guidance may include:

Evaluation tools: Instruments for assessing the effectiveness and rigor of locally developed curriculum
Instructional recommendations: Evidence-based practices and suggested activities that enhance teaching and learning outcomes
Curriculum maps and frameworks: Structured guides to support curriculum development, selection, and implementation

Literacy Initiative

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Board of Regents are committed to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality instruction and to fostering a culture of reading and writing excellence across the state. Literacy is the cornerstone of academic success; therefore, the Department is examining state requirements related to literacy instruction and developing a P-20 literacy initiative to ensure that teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills prepared to provide effective instruction to all students that is grounded in research, culturally responsive, and aligned with evidence-based practices.

Literacy is a foundational skill for 21st-century learners. In fact, being a proficient reader, writer, and communicator has an impact on a student’s entire education and their life beyond. NYSED is working to ensure all students have the resources they need to be successful in literacy and life, no matter their learning differences. All students deserve the opportunity of a high-quality education that allows them to thrive.

NYSED understands the critical role that literacy plays in shaping the future of individuals and communities. The literacy resources on this site provide educators, parents, and community members information on best practices and strategies to enhance literacy instruction.

Prekindergarten-3rd Grade Literacy Instructional Best Practices Guide

In January 2025, the New York State Education Department released the new Prekindergarten-3rd Grade Literacy Instructional Best Practices Guide. This evidence and scientifically based guide has been created to assist school districts in reviewing and enhancing their literacy curriculum and instruction. It also serves as a comprehensive resource, which provides detailed instructional best practices and instructional considerations to improve student literacy outcomes. For questions or more information, please contact the Office of Early Learning at OEL@nysed.gov(link sends e-mail).

Literacy Curriculum Review Guide

On June 5, 2024, the New York State Education Department hosted a webinar on the release of the new K-3 Literacy Curriculum Review Guide. The Guide is designed for optional use by districts and schools in selecting high-quality K-3 literacy curricula and curricular materials designed to meet the needs of all students, including English language learners and students with disabilities. In New York State, all curriculum decisions are made at the local level.

K-3 Literacy Curriculum Review Guide
K-3 Literacy Curriculum Review Guide (editable format)
June 5, 2024, Webinar Frequently Asked Questions

K-3 Literacy Curriculum Review Guide Webinar – June 5, 2024

The Science of Reading Literacy Briefs

The New York State Education Department is pleased to release a new series of literacy briefs that focus on the science of reading. These briefs were produced by Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux, Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Katie C. Carr, M.Ed. The new literacy briefs may be used to strengthen knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices in PK-12 education.

Overview of NYSED’s Literacy Briefs with Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux

The New York State Education Department (NYSED), in collaboration with the BOCES and Big 5 school districts, hosted a statewide literacy conference. This hybrid event provided New York State teachers, administrators, and literacy leaders with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices in PK-12 education as educators from across the state came together to focus on research-based practices and the science of reading to support students’ learning and development.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the seven literacy briefs with the NYSED team and keynote speaker Dr. Nonie K. Lesaux. Dr. Lesaux is the Roy Edward Larsen Professor of Education and Human Development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She previously partnered with NYSED on a series of Advanced Literacy Briefs published in 2017.

Dr. Lesaux’s Presentation Slides