Gov. Hochul Proposes 'Back to Basics' Reading Instruction Shift in New York Schools

The proposed change, supported by the state teacher's union and parent teachers association, aims to improve literacy rates by focusing on phonics and reading comprehension.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a shift in the state's approach to teaching reading, moving away from the 'whole language' method to a 'Back to Basics' approach focused on phonics and reading comprehension.
The proposed change is backed by the state teacher's union, school administrators, and the New York State Parent Teachers Association, and builds off a literacy overhaul implemented in half of New York City's school districts last year.
The 'Back to Basics' plan aims to improve literacy rates in the state, where fewer than half of students in grades 3-8 are considered proficient in reading on state tests.
The proposal, if included in the state budget, would require the state department of education to create regulations for schools to implement into their curriculums, with the goal of schools adopting the changes by 2025.
Despite support, some experts and educators foresee challenges in implementing the new approach, particularly for teachers who have been using the 'whole language' method for many years.