Newburgh Schools invest $8M in Science of Reading initiative to improve literacy rates

New York's Board of Education is taking significant steps to enhance literacy among students, particularly in response to alarming reading proficiency rates. During the recent Board of Education meeting on March 25, 2025, officials discussed a comprehensive plan aimed at improving reading skills across the district, especially for students struggling to meet grade-level expectations.

The meeting highlighted the district's ongoing commitment to the Science of Reading, a research-based approach that emphasizes explicit instruction in key components of reading, such as language comprehension and word recognition. This initiative has been supported by a substantial investment of approximately $8 million since 2019, aimed at training staff and implementing effective reading programs. Currently, about 30% of students are failing to meet reading benchmarks, prompting urgent action to reverse this trend.

Marcy Haywood, a key presenter at the meeting, outlined the district's strategies, which include partnerships with organizations like The Reading League to ensure that teaching methods are grounded in scientific research. The district is also focusing on early literacy initiatives, particularly targeting families with newborns through programs like Newberg Basics, which provides resources to promote reading from infancy.

In addition to early literacy efforts, the Board discussed the importance of addressing the needs of older students, particularly those in grades 7 through 12 who are not writing at grade level. The district is committed to providing ongoing professional development for teachers and utilizing data-driven assessments to tailor instruction to individual student needs.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to attend a special event on April 10, where the district will screen the documentary "Right to Read" and host a panel discussion. This event aims to further engage the community in the district's literacy efforts and highlight the importance of reading for all students.

As the district moves forward, the emphasis on structured literacy and community involvement is expected to play a crucial role in improving reading outcomes and ensuring that all students have the skills necessary for academic success.