Bright Spot Brief: Early Literacy Instruction

Across the country, states, districts, schools, and communities are strengthening early literacy instruction in ways that reflect current research on how children develop language and literacy across the preschool through Grade 3 (PK–3) continuum. These efforts offer important lessons for strengthening literacy instruction across the early grades.

This State of the Field Bright Spot Brief highlights community-led innovations and promising approaches to effective early literacy instruction. Drawing from examples in Briya Public Charter School (Washington, D.C.), New York City's Community School District 7, and Mississippi, the brief showcases how schools, districts, and states are strengthening literacy instruction through aligned systems, educator capacity-building, parent and family partnerships, and developmentally informed practices.

Designed for state and local education leaders, practitioners, and parents and families, the brief offers practical insights, lessons learned, and considerations for strengthening policy, practice, and systems to support high-quality early literacy instruction across the PK–3 continuum.