Literacy Academy Collective urges New York to adopt science of reading in education

In a recent Joint Legislative Hearing focused on the 2025 Executive Budget Proposal for Higher Education, significant discussions emerged regarding the future of reading instruction and law enforcement within New York State's educational institutions.

Ruth Genn, the executive director of Literacy Academy Collective, highlighted the urgent need for reform in teacher training programs to incorporate the science of reading. Citing impressive gains in student achievement in Mississippi, Genn urged lawmakers to support the New York State Path Forward initiative. This initiative aims to integrate evidence-based reading instruction into educator preparation programs, addressing the alarming statistic that only 31 percent of New York students are proficient in reading. Genn emphasized that with proper training, nearly all students can learn to read effectively. She called for a $500,000 appropriation in the state budget to fund this critical initiative, which seeks to ensure that every teacher is equipped to teach reading from day one.

In another key discussion, Chris Lacoste, representing SUNY police officers, advocated for the centralization of law enforcement across the 29 campuses within the SUNY system. Currently, each campus operates under its own policies, leading to inconsistencies and challenges in responding to incidents. Lacoste argued that centralization would standardize procedures, improve officer retention, and enhance safety across university communities. He pointed out that the lack of a clear career ladder has contributed to high turnover rates among officers, with some departments experiencing significant staff losses in recent years. By centralizing, Lacoste believes that the SUNY police can achieve better resource management and operational efficiency.

These discussions reflect a broader commitment to improving educational outcomes and campus safety in New York State. As the legislative session progresses, the outcomes of these proposals could significantly impact the quality of education and the safety of students across the state.