Implementation of a Comprehensive Literacy Policy

We recognize that providing explicit evidence-based instruction in foundational skills is essential for students to become strong readers—particularly those from low-income backgrounds, multilingual learners, and students of color. This new policy aims to close those achievement gaps and help every child become a skilled and confident reader. student and teacher giving high five about reading

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Maryland will implement a new statewide literacy policy aimed at ensuring all students become strong, confident readers by the end of third grade. Educators will use evidence-based instructional strategies, known as the Science of Reading, to support the development of key reading skills such as phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.

For students who experience reading difficulties, families will receive clear, accessible communication and be invited to collaborate in creating a customized reading improvement plan tailored to their child's needs. The focus is on identifying reading challenges early and providing timely, effective support.

This initiative will be rolled out in phases, with comprehensive reading support systems and promotion guidelines fully established by the 2027-2028 school year.

Policy Standards

The Comprehensive Pre-K through Grade 3 Literacy Policy includes the following standards:

A System of Support for Educators
Reading Instruction, Assessment and Intervention
Parent/Guardian Notification and Student Reading Improvement Plan (SRIP)
Demonstrated Readiness for Promotion

Helping Every Child Become a Confident Reader

elementary student reading Maryland’s new literacy policy gives every child—from Pre-K through 3rd grade—the right instruction, tools, and support to become a successful reader. Families are active partners in this process, ensuring children don't just learn to read—but love to read.

What This Policy Does

The Maryland State Board of Education created this policy to make sure every child can read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. It ensures that all schools use research-based reading instruction, called the Science of Reading, so children develop strong skills in phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Why it Matters

Maryland's reading scores have dropped sharply over the past decade. The new policy tackles this by giving teachers better training, students earlier support, and families clear communication about reading progress. The goal is for Maryland to be a top-10 state in reading by 2027.

What Families Can Expect

Early identification: All Pre-K through 3rd grade students will be screened three times a year to catch reading struggles early.
Individual Reading Plans: If a child has difficulty reading, the school will create a Student Reading Improvement Plan (SRIP) within 30 days, outlining specific help and next steps.
Family communication: Parents will receive timely, easy-to-understand letters explaining their child's reading progress and ways to help at home.
Extra support: Students needing more help will get small-group or one-on-one instruction, not fewer opportunities in other classes. Retention in 3rd grade will only happen after multiple years of targeted support and collaboration with families.

What Teachers and Schools are Doing

teacher reading to class of elementary students

All Pre-kindergarten - third-grade teachers and administrators are being trained in evidence-based reading methods.
Schools will use only high-quality instructional materials—no outdated “three-cueing” or “guess-the-word” approaches.
Each district must track and report how many educators are trained and how many students receive reading help.

When Changes Begin

2024-2025: Teacher training and early support begin statewide.
2025-2026: Approved reading materials and universal screeners released.
2026-2027: Student Reading Improvement Plan (SRIPs) and new parent-notification processes start.
2027-2028: Full implementation, including promotion and retention standards for 3rd grade.