Research Brief: Kindergarten Transitions and Beyond

This State of the Field brief synthesizes research on early literacy instruction to create a shared understanding of how children develop literacy across the preschool through Grade 3 (PK–3) continuum. Drawing on both the Science of Reading (SoR) and the Science of Learning and Development (SoLD), the brief recognizes that literacy development cannot be separated from broader developmental processes across PK–3.

The brief offers a developmentally informed, child-centered framework for literacy instruction that integrates explicit foundational skills instruction with interaction, play, inquiry, and writing. Organized around five core tenets, it provides recommendations for state and local leaders, educators, and families to strengthen alignment, support effective instruction, and expand access to high-quality literacy experiences.