District outlines science-of-reading implementation and readiness to attest to state literacy guidance

Albany City School District instructional leaders told the board they are prepared to attest to state literacy guidance after years of aligning curriculum and training with the Science of Reading.

McKenna Morphy, instructional supervisor for elementary humanities, said the district has introduced foundational skills programs (Heggerty), revised Wonders units for stronger vocabulary and writing, and trained cohorts of teachers through the SUNY New Paltz micro-credential in the science of reading. The district has also adopted NWEA MAP Reading Fluency in K-2 as a diagnostic tool.

The New York State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force issued recommendations in late 2024; superintendent and staff said Albany meets many current screening requirements but noted one area that might require change in parent notification language if the state adopts a narrower definition. "We do meet the requirement for the diagnostics and screenings that they're currently talking about," Morphy said.

District next steps include a K-12 comprehensive ELA curriculum review scheduled for the coming year, continued systematic training of K-2 teachers, and preparation to submit the state's attestation on specific curriculum components this spring. Leaders also said they will watch legislative action and regulatory guidance relating to dyslexia and dysgraphia recommendations.

Why it matters: New York State guidance and potential statutory changes on literacy screening and reporting could require districts to alter parent notification practices and instructional procedures. Albany leaders said they already have many of the state's recommended elements in place and will focus on professional development and the upcoming curriculum review.

Ending: The board received the update as the district continues year-to-year professional development and data-based approaches to early literacy.