Nebraska Literacy Project

Nebraska Revised Statute 79-2607 requires the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) to establish a professional learning system related to evidence-based reading instruction.

Our Vision

To foster a culture of proficient and lifelong readers in Nebraska and unlock student potential for learning, earning, and living through a focus on evidence-based reading instruction.

Our Goals

  1. Increase third grade proficiency on NSCAS ELA from to 75% by 2030.
  2. Increase the % of Nebraska K-3 students who meet the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act approved assessment thresholds.
  3. Ensure 100% of Nebraska educator preparation programs are implementing evidence-based instruction for teachers grounded in the science of reading.

Our Tenets

Tenet 1

Professional Learning System

High quality professional development for all educators who teach literacy for students age 4 through 3rd grade grounded in the science of reading to ensure that educators have skills in evidence-based instructional practices

Tenet 2

Curriculum and Teacher Preparation Aligned to Evidence-based Reading Instruction

Sustained teacher preparation programs and PreK – 3 curriculum, instruction, and assessment grounded in the science of reading using high quality materials

Tenet 3

Regional Literacy Coaches

Establishment of a network of coaches across the state who are trained in the science of reading and evidence-based practices.  This network of coaches will provide sustained support services to Nebraska schools.

Tenet 4

Data Collections to Evaluate Effectiveness

Data collections measuring the effectiveness of literacy initiatives and implementation of professional development in evidence-based reading

Tenet 5

Family Literacy and PreK Programs

Development of resources to assist families in accessing local family literacy centers, existing community literacy initiatives, and prekindergarten programs in order to strengthen literacy and language development for young children so that they start kindergarten ready to thrive.

For more information contact:

Allyson DenBeste

Academic Officer

Teaching, Learning & Assessment

500 S. 84th St., 2nd Floor

Lincoln, NE 68509

531-310-2897

allyson.denbeste@nebraska.gov

Updated October 7, 2024 1:02pm