NebraskaREADS

The Nebraska Reading Improvement Act
The NebraskaREADS initiative was created to serve the needs of students, educators, and parents along the journey to successful reading. The NebraskaREADS initiative supports the policies and practices outlined in the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act, which was enacted in 2018 and went into effect during the 2019-2020 school year. The law takes a comprehensive approach to improve the early literacy skills of Nebraska’s K-3 students. It emphasizes the importance of strong early reading instruction and individualized supports for students who are struggling. The Nebraska Reading Improvement Act values the need to implement, with fidelity, targeted interventions to bring all students to grade-level proficiency. The Nebraska State Board of Education supports and encourages systemic efforts to improve early literacy for all students as outlined in their Early Literacy Position Statement.
For more information, see the NebraskaREADS FAQs and the Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP)
Mission
NebraskaREADS provides tools and resources to support high-quality literacy instruction for all Nebraska students. The initiative highlights policies, procedures, and practices that guide the selection and implementation of evidence-based literacy practices and interventions, and assists districts as they build family, school, and community partnerships to help students become successful readers, setting them up for learning, earning, and living.
Integrating Literacy Defining Document
The “Integrating Literacy” framework highlights a comprehensive approach to unifying the science and evidence of reading instruction. It emphasizes the importance of research-based practices in literacy. By integrating these approaches, educators can implement instructional methods that are explicit and systematic, leading to improved reading outcomes for students.
News & Notes
NSLA Summer Literacy Institute – July 17, 2025
Elevating Nebraska Literacy
Join us this summer to hear from speakers on the science of reading, connect with others that are passionate about literacy, and hear about the latest initiatives affecting Nebraska educators.
Nebraska Reading Assessments Whitepaper
The Nebraska Department of Education has approved several assessments for use under the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act. Based on research conducted by the University of Nebraska’s Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools, this paper aims to summarize key components of these assessments. Its purpose is to support schools and administrators in making informed decisions about selecting and implementing assessments to meet the law’s requirements effectively.
Reading Proficiency in Nebraska
According to 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data, 66% of Nebraska’s fourth graders did not meet reading proficiency. A new study, the NSWERS Brief on Early Reading Proficiency in Nebraska, offers longitudinal data on statewide assessment scores relative to high school graduation and college going rates. The Brief demonstrates how students’ levels of proficiency matter and impact their graduation and postsecondary outcomes. NSWERS is the Nebraska Statewide Workforce & Educational Reporting System. Its mission is to integrate pre-K through 12 education and workforce data over time, creating a holistic view of the learning and earning journeys of Nebraska’s students. For more information, please visit NSWERS – Answers for Nebraska.
Foundational Literacy Instructional Routines Webinar Series
The NDE, in partnership with the NeMTSS, is thrilled to announce the release of a 23-episode series dedicated to enhancing literacy and comprehension routines. It is based on the Foundational Literacy Instructional Routines document. This comprehensive series aims to provide educators with a deeper understanding of various reading models, their instructional implications, and practical strategies for implementing effective literacy routines in the classroom. Viewers will gain valuable insights into step-by-step guides on how to improve literacy and comprehension practices, ensuring a strong foundation for their students. The links to the episodes are updated on the Foundational Literacy Instructional Routines page and available on the NeMTSS website.