Hi there,
The school says it follows the science of reading. But the phonics lesson is sitting next to a leveled book and a note to look at the picture and guess. You want to ask about it, and you’re not sure how to say it without sounding like you’re criticizing them.
That feeling is why we built Sunday’s webinar, and we’re grateful you spent part of your evening with us. Together we looked at what Long Island districts told the state about their reading instruction, what their own documents show, and what it looks like when every layer of a district points the same way.
Whether you joined live or are catching up, the slides are just below, with every source linked. Start there, then keep scrolling for two things you can do this week and a checklist to bring to your own district.
The Slides
IF YOU REMEMBER ONE THING
About nine in ten Long Island districts told the state they’re fully aligned with the science of reading. When we checked their websites and documents, more than eight in ten of those still showed balanced literacy practices.
Aligned means every layer points the same way: curriculum, assessment, intervention, teacher training, and accountability.
Bring one question to your district: What did you stop using?
Libraries are often where a parent’s search for answers begins, and a bill passed this year would give every public library research-based reading guidance, yet it still needs the Governor’s signature.
Support families by using our ready-to-send letter to ask Governor Hochul to sign it today. It takes just two minutes.
Send Your Letter →
School districts are no longer required to submit their annual literacy attestation, removing a key accountability check on whether reading programs align with the science of reading.
Support restoring this requirement through our letter campaign to State legislators, Governor Hochul, and NYSED.
Send Your Letter →
This Month
Know Your District: Literacy Data Transparency on Long Island
Public information about how Long Island districts teach and measure reading can be hard to find, and easy to misread. Next month, we show you where the data lives, how to look up your own district, and what the numbers can and can’t tell you.
We’ll also walk through our interactive district map and the new Know Your District section of our website. We will also share any newly released data. Bring a district buddy. Invite a neighbor, a teacher, or another parent from your district, so you can look at your data together and decide what to ask. Let’s make changes in LI, one district at a time.
Become a District Lead
Growing our voice means growing our impact. We're looking for passionate Science of Reading advocates to serve as the point person for their school district. Help literacy advocacy accountability be heard.
As a District Lead, you'll help us:
Be the contact for LILC members and parents in your district
Spread the word on our events, campaigns, and district updates
Encourage turnout at BOE meetings + public comment opportunities
