The Head Start English-only proposal raised urgent questions for families, educators, and community partners who care about early literacy. On August 7, 2026, the Administration for Children and Families published a proposed rule that would require classroom instruction in Head Start to be conducted in English, with an exception for American Indian and Alaska Native programs using tribal languages for heritage purposes, according to the Federal Register proposal.
As … Read the rest
The University of Pittsburgh has secured a five-year federal research grant to investigate whether systematic phonics instruction can help adolescents who continue to struggle with reading. The project could provide new evidence about how schools support older students who have not mastered foundational literacy skills.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The University of Pittsburgh has received a $3,112,738 federal research grant to investigate whether systematic, accessible phonics instruction can improve reading skills … Read the rest
The University of Texas at Austin is partnering with the Permian Strategic Partnership to strengthen kindergarten through second-grade reading instruction in West Texas. The $5.5 million initiative will bring evidence-based literacy coaching, classroom interventions, and data-informed teaching support directly into schools.
Austin, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin has announced a $5.5 million early literacy initiative designed to improve foundational reading instruction for young students in West Texas, … Read the rest
Federal Tax Credit Scholarships are drawing close attention from homeschooling families because the new federal credit is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, and research notes for this report show more than 30 states moving toward participation for the 2027 calendar year. For parents who build learning plans around books, tutoring, community classes, field study, and special services, the promise is real. The caution is just as real: homeschool … Read the rest
Faculty from 15 public and private colleges and universities gathered in Columbia to strengthen evidence-based literacy instruction for future teachers. The statewide initiative connects teacher preparation, structured reading instruction, and classroom partnerships as South Carolina reports improving school performance.
Columbia, South Carolina — South Carolina is expanding its efforts to improve early literacy by bringing faculty from 15 public and private colleges and universities together to strengthen how future teachers … Read the rest
Preschool Special Education investment in New York City moved from budget language into classroom planning on July 14, 2026, when the city announced new funding for expanded services in public Pre-K settings. For teachers and parents, the practical question is not only how much money was added, but how those funds may affect evaluations, classroom placements, IEP support, staffing, and communication with families.
The announcement mattered because preschool is often … Read the rest
University of Illinois researcher Meaghan McKenna is leading a five-year federal project to develop technology-supported writing instruction for kindergarten and first-grade students, with the goal of strengthening both writing and reading skills.
Urbana-Champaign, Illinois — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has received a $1.87 million federal grant to develop and evaluate an innovative educational technology program connecting early writing instruction with children’s reading development.
Announced on October 6, 2026, the … Read the rest
Evidence-based literacy funding has moved to the center of federal K-12 education policy after national reading results raised concern among educators, families, and policymakers. For schools, the shift is not just about applying for grants. It is about connecting funds to reading instruction, teacher training, student screening, curriculum review, and family communication in ways that can be examined over time.
The federal push has practical meaning for classrooms. Districts are … Read the rest
Colorado Homeschool Regulations have moved from broad debate into a clearer rulemaking schedule. The public hearing on the proposed rules was held on October 15, 2026, and the Colorado State Board of Education is scheduled to revisit the proposals during its November 12-13, 2026 meeting. For parents and providers, the immediate task is to understand what is already on the record, what may still change, and how to prepare without … Read the rest
Drexel University’s new ALLIED Hub in Philadelphia aims to connect reading science, educational leadership, teacher development, and community resources to improve literacy outcomes across the United States.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Drexel University has received a $3.3 million federal education grant to support a new national literacy initiative designed to help schools turn reading research into effective classroom instruction.
The university announced the funding on October 13, 2026, ahead of the … Read the rest
