What do evidence-based early literacy and culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction mean?

Evidence-based early literacy means teaching that is based in scientific evidence of what works in helping children learn. This kind of teaching, and the materials used, will follow a clear, step-by-step plan, or "scope and sequence" for teaching, that builds over time and includes direct teacher instruction, opportunities to practice with the teacher and get feedback, and opportunities for students to practice on their own. You child should receive:

• support for developing the awareness of sounds in spoken language
• teaching in phonics and decoding
• opportunities to build knowledge about the world to support understanding of reading
• daily opportunities to read or listen to engaging, grade appropriate text
• opportunities to develop reading fluency (see Foundational Skills)
• clear, direct, and connected instruction in vocabulary and word parts
• clear and direct teaching of writing that includes showing students what they need to do (modeling) and receiving teacher feedback on their writing.

Culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction includes teaching practices that are essential for all students and happen in classrooms, schools, and districts that encourage and support students' diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges, and honor the linguistic backgrounds and experiences students bring to the classroom. This kind of teaching seeks to deepen student learning, build their understanding and respect for other cultures, and address systemic inequities. We know from the research and from students and families that when teachers are responsive to students' cultures and identities, students will have stronger relationships with educators, better learning experiences, and better outcomes. Learn more about supporting culturally and linguistically sustaining practices.

Examples of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices include:

• having high expectations for what children can learn and offering high support to help them do so,
• encouraging students to read, write, and talk about their identity,
• reading books and sharing stories that explore a wide range of cultures and experiences, and
• multilingual learners having equal opportunity to meaningfully participate in all literacy instruction.

Last Updated: September 25, 2024