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 Summer Reading
The 2025 NebraskaREADS Summer Reading Adventure is now available; the NebraskaREADS: Summer Reading Adventure packet equips caregivers and families with literary resources.