Literacy in Educator Preparation

In July 2021, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted foundational literacy skills standards, for use by Educator Preparation Providers (EPP) for instruction of candidates seeking a license to teach students in Kindergarten through grade three (K-3) and for those seeking an instructional leader license. The Tennessee Literacy Success Act requires all EPPs to provide training on reading instruction focused primarily on the foundational literacy skills standards by August 1, 2022. Literacy and Specialty Area Standards policy 5.505

TDOE has developed an assurance process for EPPs to demonstrate how they will integrate the foundational skills standards (see SBE Literacy and Specialty Area Standards policy 5.505) in their respective licensure programs. EPPs with approved licensure programs in the following endorsement areas are required to participate in this assurance process: 

• Early Childhood Education (pre-K-3) 
• Integrated Early Childhood Education (Birth-K or pre-K-3) 
• Elementary Education (K-5) 
• Special Education Interventionist (K-8) 
• Special Education Comprehensive (K-12) 
• Instructional Leader (pre-K-12)