The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has released a new toolkit designed to support literacy instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs) in the state. The Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners Toolkit compiles research on effective teaching strategies for these students and provides practical guidance for educators and school administrators.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. stated, “I firmly believe that excellence without equity is incomplete and equity without excellence is insufficient. This toolkit embodies both, demonstrating that they do not have to be competing goals but can instead be guiding principles for every classroom. For students, it represents empowerment, affirming that their cultural and linguistic identities are valued. For educators, it provides a roadmap for championing diversity and honoring the brilliance of all learners by holding them to the highest standards of achievement.”
Commissioner Betty A. Rosa added, “Literacy instruction is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor—particularly for the growing number of English language learners and multilingual learners in New York State’s schools. Every student deserves, and is entitled to, an education that meets their unique needs, and supporting educators in this work is essential. This toolkit offers exceptional, practical guidance that reflects the realities of the multilingual learning experience while fostering a learning environment that better serves all students.”
The toolkit was officially introduced on November 24, 2025 at a statewide conference organized with the New York State Staff/Curriculum Development Network. The event featured presentations from key contributors including Associate Commissioner Elisa Alvarez, lead author Dr. Socorro Herrera, Chancellor Young, Regent Aramina Vega Ferrer, and Deputy Commissioner Angelique Johnson-Dingle. Support was also provided by the Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network during breakout sessions.
Prior previews of the toolkit were held at other events such as the Voices United Conference hosted by NYSED’s Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages on October 24, 2025, as well as during a Board of Regents meeting on November 4.
This release is part of NYSED’s broader Literacy Initiative launched in June 2024 to equip teachers with evidence-based skills and knowledge for effective instruction across diverse student populations. As part of this initiative, NYSED has also developed guides on best practices in PK-3 literacy instruction aimed at helping districts review their programs; resources such as curriculum review guides and webinars focused on K-3 literacy materials; as well as briefs summarizing research-based literacy practices for grades PK-12.
The new toolkit was created by Dr. Socorro Herrera from Kansas State University’s Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy; Dr. Kathy Escamilla from University of Colorado Boulder; and Dr. Robin Cabral from Kansas State University.
