Standards

Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017

Note: If your state, university, or district has adopted Standards 2017, contact standards@reading.org to receive promotional assets for your website or office.

More details about Standards 2017 can be found in the FAQ. To purchase a copy of Standards 2017, click here.

Standards for the Preparation of Literacy Professionals 2017 sets forth the criteria for developing and evaluating preparation programs for literacy professionals. Developed by literacy experts across the United States, the standards focus on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective educational practice in a specific role and highlight contemporary research and evidence-based practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and leadership. The updated standards address the need for a broader definition of literacy beyond reading to include writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing in both print and digital realms.

Video resources

Watch the Standards 2017 overview video

Watch the "Defining the Roles: Specialized Literacy Professionals" video

Watch the "Seven Major Changes in Standards 2017" video

Content resources

Standards for specialized literacy professionals matrix (including reading/literacy specialists)

Standards for classroom teachers matrix

Key shifts in roles and standards from Standards 2010 to Standards 2017

Standards 2017 Overarching Standards

Standard Title Overarching Standard
1: Foundational Knowledge Candidates demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and evidence-based foundations of literacy and language and the ways in which they interrelate and the role of literacy professionals in schools.
2: Curriculum and Instruction Candidates use foundational knowledge to critique and implement literacy curricula to meet the needs of all learners and to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based literacy instruction for all learners.
3: Assessment and Evaluation Candidates understand, select, and use valid, reliable, fair, and appropriate assessment tools to screen, diagnose, and measure student literacy achievement; inform instruction and evaluate interventions; participate in professional learning experiences; explain assessment results and advocate for appropriate literacy practices to relevant stakeholders.
4: Diversity and Equity Candidates demonstrate knowledge of research, relevant theories, pedagogies, essential concepts of diversity and equity; demonstrate and provide opportunities for understanding all forms of diversity as central to students' identities; create classrooms and schools that are inclusive and affirming; advocate for equity at school, district, and community levels.
5: Learners and the Literacy Environment Candidates meet the developmental needs of all learners and collaborate with school personnel to use a variety of print and digital materials to engage and motivate all learners; integrate digital technologies in appropriate, safe, and effective ways; foster a positive climate that supports a literacy-rich learning environment.
6: Professional Learning and Leadership Candidates recognize the importance of, participate in, and facilitate ongoing professional learning as part of career-long leadership roles and responsibilities.
7: Practicum/Clinical Experiences (for specialized literacy professionals only). Candidates apply theory and best practice in multiple supervised practicum/clinical experiences
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