Betty A. Rosa Commissioner at New York City Department Of Education | New York City Department Of Education
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has introduced a new toolkit aimed at improving literacy instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) and Multilingual Learners (MLs) across the state. The Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners Toolkit compiles research on teaching literacy to these student populations and provides practical strategies for educators and school administrators.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. commented, “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 launched on November 24, 2025 during a statewide conference organized with the New York State Staff/Curriculum Development Network. The event featured presentations from Associate Commissioner Elisa Alvarez, lead author Dr. Socorro Herrera, Chancellor Young, Regent Aramina Vega Ferrer, and Deputy Commissioner Angelique Johnson-Dingle. Support for breakout activities came from the Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network.
Prior to its official release, previews were given at the Voices United Conference on October 24 and at a Board of Regents meeting on November 4.
This resource is part of NYSED’s broader Literacy Initiative which began in June 2024 to ensure teachers have access to research-based instructional tools tailored to diverse student needs. The initiative also includes resources such as guides for PK-3 best practices in literacy instruction, K-3 curriculum review materials with webinars on selecting quality curricula for all students’ needs, as well as briefs focused on evidence-based literacy methods in PK-12 education.
The development team behind the toolkit included Dr. Socorro Herrera from Kansas State University; Dr. Kathy Escamilla from University of Colorado Boulder; and Dr. Robin Cabral from Kansas State University.
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