On February 13, 2025, DID membership approved a resolution in support of $500,000 Funding to NYSED to support and integrate the science of reading into educator preparation programs and certification requirements.
With the passage of this resolution, DID:
- Believes that literacy is a Civil Right. All children deserve to receive evidence-based reading instruction, grounded in the science of reading, that will allow them to experience academic success – the first pillar of culturally responsive and sustaining education; and,
- Strongly urges New York to include $500,000 in the One-House budgets to support the implementation of the NY State Action Plan: The Path Forward. This will improve literacy instruction in schools by supporting and integrating the science of reading into Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) and certification requirements. Funding will support four (4) positions at New York State Department of Education to ensure quality program oversight of NY State's 4,500+ teaching programs.