The State University of New York (SUNY) system will update its educator preparation programs to align with the “Science of Reading,” a set of evidence-based principles for literacy instruction. The change is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s Back to Basics reading plan, which aims to improve reading proficiency among students across New York.
Governor Hochul stated, “Reading comprehension is a fundamental component of education, and I am committed to increasing student proficiency statewide to set tomorrow’s leaders up for success. Through our Back to Basics reading plan, SUNY’s educators will be equipped with evidence-based methods grounded in the Science of Reading to strengthen instruction in K-12 classrooms statewide. By investing in teacher preparation and proven literacy strategies, we are paving the way forward for New York’s students and teachers.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees adopted the new policy after an inclusive process that involved input from faculty and education school leaders. The policy is designed to ensure that future educators use instructional best practices supported by research.
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is proud to be New York’s leader in preparing educators to go into K-12 classrooms and teach our state’s future leaders. Every year, more than 5,000 students graduate from SUNY teaching programs and become part of classrooms in every corner of the state. Through the SUNY Science of Reading policy, our future educators will be better prepared through evidence-based literacy methods to ensure the best learning outcomes for the students who will rely on them.”
The Board of Trustees commented, “We are proud to be a part of Governor Hochul’s Back to Basics Agenda that will continue elevating New York State as a leader in K-12 education. Led by SUNY faculty, the new SUNY Science of Reading policy will help support this initiative and guide the next generation of teachers to ensure that all students can read proficiently.”
Virginia Goatley, Co-Chair of the SUNY Faculty Technical Advisory Group and Dean at SUNY Albany, explained that eleven literacy experts contributed insights from current research literature on reading instruction: “The comprehensive research framework offers the foundation for these policy changes.”
John Strong, Co-Chair and Associate Professor at SUNY Buffalo Graduate Schools of Education, said,“The SUNY Science of Reading framework and policy are deeply grounded in the scientific research on teaching reading and improving literacy outcomes for children. This bold initiative will ensure that teacher candidates across the SUNY system are prepared with the knowledge and skills needed to provide evidence-based literacy instruction in early childhood and elementary school classrooms.”
Rose Else-Mitchell, Executive Director at the Science of Reading Center at SUNY New Paltz, noted growing interest: “Governor Hochul’s strong support for evidence-based literacy instruction and the SUNY Board of Trustees’ adoption of this new policy build on the momentum we’ve seen since the Science of Reading Center was founded at SUNY New Paltz three years ago. To date, more than 26,000 educators have enrolled in the Science of Reading Fundamentals microcredential…demonstrating the clear demand for and growing impact of evidence-based practices embedded in New York’s educator preparation programs and professional learning.”
New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa added support: “The State Education Department is working with stakeholders on a comprehensive statewide effort to strengthen literacy instruction by embedding the Science of Reading into teacher preparation programs…and we value SUNY’s engagement in that work….Together, actions like the New York State Path Forward initiative reflect a shared commitment to improving outcomes for students across New York.”
Ruth Genn from Literacy Academy Collective described it as “a bold and consequential step towards making sure SUNY-trained educators are prepared to teach all students how to read….SUNY has been a leader in this work and this announcement shows…commitment…to making sure NY State educators are prepared…on day one.”
The new framework applies immediately to all new educator preparation programs within SUNY campuses; existing programs must comply by December 2026. The curriculum covers areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, writing skills, oral language development, motivation strategies for learners, multi-tiered supports including accommodations for English learners or students with disabilities.
To assist campuses with implementation efforts—including professional development resources—SUNY has received support from organizations such as Google, Robin Hood Foundation, and Heckscher Foundation for Children.
Governor Hochul’s Back to Basics Agenda includes $10 million allocated toward teacher training initiatives along with expanded access to free microcredential certifications via SUNY microcredential programs.
At SUNY New Paltz, over 26,000 educators have completed Science of Reading microcredentials since its center was established three years ago.
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