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More than half the states have passed laws or policies mandating a 鈥渟cience of reading鈥� approach to early literacy.

In a sense, these mandates mark the end of one story鈥攖hat of the activists and educators who have pushed forcefully for an evidence-backed approach to reading. But they鈥檙e only the beginning of another story鈥攖he monumental challenge of shifting teaching practices on the ground, classroom by classroom.

Are states providing enough coaching for teachers to feel comfortable with an approach still unfamiliar to many of them? Have they provided curriculum and teaching models in time? Are they selecting trainings and materials backed by science? Where is teaching truly changing, and where are old habits still holding on?

This incisive project, the brainchild of reporter Sarah Schwartz, aims to tell that story through the lens of North Carolina, whose challenges mirror those of many states. With reading scores in the middle of the pack, the Tar Heel state passed reading legislation in 2021鈥攁longside nearly a dozen other states. Now it鈥檚 wrestling with dueling goals: wanting to move quickly, but also wanting the changes to stick.

We hope the series will give you new insights about the challenge of shaping teaching at scale鈥攁nd how these educators鈥� experience can inform your own journey, whether as a teacher, administrator, or policymaker.

鈥擲tephen Sawchuk, Assistant Managing Editor, Education Week