February 2024

It has been an exciting year for Science of Reading Illinois (SoRI) as we continue to make progress towards our mission to ensure the implementation of effective core reading curricula for all students. We have provided professional development on the science of reading to colleagues, parents, educators, advocates, and legislators, while each of our members continue to develop our knowledge of this ever changing body of research. 

SoRI has been working with the Illinois Early Literacy Coalition since 2021 with the goal of advancing legislation to support effective reading practices in Illinois. On March 24, 2023, Illinois Senate Bill 2243 (Lightford) and House Bill 2872 (Mayfield) passed unanimously. The bill directed the Illinois State Board of Education to develop a Literacy Plan by January of 2024. After seeking feedback from stakeholders across the state, the final draft of the Literacy Plan was adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education on January 24, 2024. 

SoRI members have recently been compiling information regarding instructional reading practices across Illinois. Our focus has been core reading curricula in grades kindergarten through third grade. We have utilized the Freedom of Information Act to inquire about each school district’s current literacy curriculum and determine its effectiveness. Interactive mapping of core literacy curricula across the state is being developed as a grassroots advocacy tool. Upon completion, we are hoping to share the results including the  interactive map with appropriate stakeholders to guide positive change for our school districts.

If you’d like to explore our interactive map, please visit the Literacy Curriculum Map page.

Connect with us on Instagram: @sorillinois