"Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to…

A Comprehensive early literacy policy establishes support and intensive reading interventions for K-3 students to ensure they read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. The policy also requires 3rd grade students to demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to 4th grade. For students severely below grade level and who do not qualify…

The goal of a Comprehensive K-3 Reading Policy is to ensure all students read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. A comprehensive policy ensures early identification of struggling readers and establishes intensive reading intervention for K-3 students who need more support to become successful readers. The policy focuses on demonstrated…

Aligning educator preparation programs (EPPs) to the science of reading (SOR) is intended to ensure that elementary education, early childhood, special education educators licensed in a state as well as candidates seeking an instructional leader license have been provided with preparation that delivers a strong foundation in evidence-based…

A substantial body of research shows that when families can use state-sanctioned funds to pay for private school and other academic experiences, everyone wins. Students graduate high school and attain college degrees at higher rates, schools improve academic achievement and become more diverse, parents are satisfied, and taxpayers save money. A…

Technology plays an important role in education today, from homework assignments that require online research or peer collaboration to virtual tutoring or advanced courses that are not accessible at a student's assigned school. Additionally, schools can turn to online learning when inclement weather hits, school buildings need repair or in…

A Comprehensive K-3 Reading Policy establishes support and intensive reading interventions for K-3 students to ensure they read on grade level by the end of third grade. The policy also requires third grade students to demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to fourth grade. For students severely below grade level and who do not…

The United States has relinquished its mathematical prowess enjoyed in the 20th century with trending declines in performance on international and national measures and must make a concerted effort to regain this standing in the 21st century. Success in mathematics education also is important for individual citizens because it gives them college…

This document contains a model policy for state departments of education to create a Closing the Digital Divide in Education Act. The purpose of such an Act is to: (1) Raise awareness of federal and state broadband subsidy programs to ensure eligible residents, particularly those in households with K-12 students, are aware of the ability to…

This document contains a model policy for state departments of education to create a K-8 Math Act or policy. The intent of such Legislature is that each student is prepared for success in Algebra I starting with 60 minutes of daily math instruction to build math proficiency in grades Kindergarten through 8 using effective, standards aligned…

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic since OpenAI released ChatGPT in late 2022. Predictions on how ChatGPT will affect education have ranged from fears of rampant cheating and job displacement in many career fields to glowing predictions of a future with personalized learning for all students through AI-powered tools. People are…

The Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Act allows parents to use the funds that would have been allocated to their child at their resident school district for an education program of the parents' choosing. The Act identifies student eligibility as well as approved educational expenses. The Act establishes procedures for parents to apply to the…

Access to technology and devices is necessary to deliver high-quality learning experiences. Schools and students that don't have access are at a disadvantage. But giving all students access isn't as easy as it seems. Competing budgetary priorities, uncertainty about the most effective products and services and other constraints make it difficult…

States are seeking alternative means to identify low-income students for supplemental funding, as many schools no longer need to verify household income to determine students' eligibility for free and reduced-price meals. Instead, states can identify students whose families participate in social service programs with income criteria at or near 200…

The massive challenges created by 2020's global pandemic--and a renewed resolve to address educational equity--have sounded an urgent call to act on behalf of students and their future. For more than a decade, ExcelinEd has been at the forefront of a movement to transform education across America. This playbook describes ExcelinEd's broad range of…