Introduction to the Early Grade Reading Outcomes Playbook

Science of Reading: Early Grade Reading Strategy Spotlight

Early Grade Reading Playbook: Strategy Spotlight

How-Tos, Tips & Tools

Overview

Reading proficiency in the early grades sets children on a path to lifelong success. Children who read well by third grade are far more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college and thrive across all subjects. Communities can close reading gaps through high-quality instruction aligned to the Science of Reading, well-trained teachers, early intervention and coordinated support across education and neighborhood systems.

This is a strategy spotlight published alongside StriveTogether’s Cradle-to-Career Outcomes Playbook: Early Grade Reading. The playbook synthesizes research and practical guidance communities can use to improve early grade reading.
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Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of high school graduation, yet in 2022, only 33% of fourth graders across the country were reading at grade level. In Montgomery County, Ohio, Learn to Earn Dayton helped secure $168 million in Ohio’s 2023 state budget to require evidence-based literacy instruction statewide. Locally, more than 300 educators received coaching in the Science of Reading. From 2022 to 2024, third-grade reading proficiency in Ohio rose from 66% to 68% and Dayton Public Schools saw gains from 38% to 40%, showing what’s possible when policy and practice move together.

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Playbook Chapters

Early Grade Reading Playbook

Supported by the Gates Foundation, this resource shares research, indicators and strategies to strengthen early reading systems.

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A group of young students sit on the ground in front of a teacher who's reading a book to them.
  1. Introduction to Early Grade Reading
  2. Essential Questions for Early Grade Reading
  3. The Case for Early Grade Reading
  4. About the Early Grade Reading Playbook
  5. Early Grade Reading Progress
  6. Leadership for Literacy
  7. Teaching and Learning
  8. Childhood Experiences and Neighborhood Conditions
  9. Positive School Environment
  10. Appendix and Bibliography