HCS Teachers 1

Hancock, NY – During Superintendent's Day, HCS teachers dedicated their time to aligning the P-3 Literacy Best Practices, released on January 7th, with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) literacy briefs. This critical work supports the requirements of Education Law §818, which mandates that, by September 1, 2025, every school district must ensure that their reading curriculum and instructional practices for prekindergarten through grade three align with all elements of instructional best practices. This collaborative effort underscores the district’s commitment to fostering a strong foundation in literacy for all students.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative, supported by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Board of Regents, is designed to ensure every student develops strong reading and writing skills through research-based practices. The "7 Literacy Briefs" address key aspects of literacy education, focusing on structured literacy instruction, fostering inclusivity, and integrating social-emotional learning.

For more information on the literacy initiative, please visit the NYSED website at:

https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/literacy-initiative

“Superintendent's Conference Day provided a platform for our community to move forward with our HCSD Strategic Plan, a Blueprint for Excellence, striving for Academic Excellence while focusing on the Student and Staff Experience.”, said Tom Durkot, HCS Principal.”

Hancock teachers are setting a new standard for literacy education in the region, aspiring to be innovative leaders in nurturing every child’s journey toward excellence.