Shauna Hart is a Managing Partner at TNTP, a JerseyCAN Parent Fellow, and a NJ public school parent.

As both an education leader at TNTP and a proud New Jersey mom of two young kids learning to read in our public schools, I am filled with optimism—and a sense of urgency—about the unique opportunity before us. New Jersey recently released a comprehensive Literacy Framework and guide to high-quality instructional materials aligned to revised English Language Arts standards and the new requirements for universal literacy screeners for all K-3 students. The state also launched a multi-year, $50 million CLSD grant to support evidence-based literacy initiatives across the state, including aligned instructional materials and support for educators. These bold steps have the potential to transform how our children learn to read—and to lay a strong foundation for students’ continued success in school and beyond.    

For years, New Jersey’s literacy outcomes have reflected persistent gaps. Less than half of our third graders met proficiency in ELA last spring, with even lower rates for students of color, multilingual learners, and those experiencing poverty. But now we have a roadmap for change—one that centers research-based instruction, early identification of reading challenges, and a commitment to equity for every child.  

As a parent, I see firsthand how much strong foundational skills and high-quality materials matter. My kids are experiencing rich texts and explicit foundational skills instruction at school every day, and they are excited to practice their reading and writing in the classroom and at home. As an education expert, I know these practices don’t happen by accident—they require vision, planning, and ongoing support and collaboration. That’s why I was encouraged to see Gov. Sherrill prioritize education in her proposed state budget, with $13.8 billion in funding and $15 million to expand high-impact tutoring. 

Every school, every teacher, and every family and caregiver can be part of the effort to rethink how we teach reading across the state and to help every child become a confident reader.  

Here are five key actions every district or school community should take:  

1. Understand the Current State of Reading Instruction. Review your current programs to determine alignment to evidence-based reading practices and the revised standards. Use data and talk to educators to understand what is working well and where practices may need to shift.   
2. Engage Stakeholders and the Community. Shifting practice requires support and collaboration from every level—district leaders, principals, teachers, support staff, and families and caregivers. Include educators in planning and decision making. Families and caregivers should be partners, not bystanders, in their children’s literacy journey. 
3. Set a Clear Vision. Set a district-wide vision and action plan for literacy that reflects evidence-based reading and the diverse needs of students in your community. Ensure the vision is shared by leaders, teachers, families, and students. 
4. Support Implementation. Provide educators at all levels with resources and instructional materials that are aligned to evidence-based practices. Create structures for collaborative planning, ongoing, job-embedded professional development for educators, and regular feedback. 
5. Foster Continuous Improvement. Change takes time. Use cycles of reflection and data analysis to refine practices, address barriers, and celebrate successes.  

Whether your district pursued one of the state grants or not, this is a moment for every New Jersey school system to act. Our children deserve nothing less than the best we can offer. Let’s seize this moment to ensure that every child in New Jersey becomes a confident, capable reader, ready to thrive in school and beyond. Right now is the time.