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Teacher Training in 2026: Why the Future of Education Depends on How We Prepare Educators
Education News Desk — As classrooms across the globe welcome a new generation of learners shaped by artificial intelligence, hybrid instruction, and rapidly shifting social realities, one question dominates education policy discussions: are our teachers being trained for the schools of today—or the schools of tomorrow? In 2026, teacher training has moved from the margins of education reform to its very center, with governments, universities, and school districts investing unprecedented resources in how educators are recruited, prepared, and supported throughout their careers.
The Changing Landscape of Teacher Training
Teacher training—often called initial teacher education or teacher preparation—refers to the formal programs and ongoing professional development that equip educators with the pedagogical knowledge, classroom management skills, subject expertise, and emotional intelligence needed to teach effectively. Traditionally, this meant a university degree in education followed by sporadic workshops. Today, the field has evolved into a continuum: pre-service training, induction programs for new teachers, and continuous professional development (CPD) that extends throughout a teacher’s career.
Several forces are reshaping this continuum. The post-pandemic push for digital literacy has made technology integration a non-negotiable component of teacher training curricula. Meanwhile, growing awareness of student mental health has prompted calls for mandatory training in trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning. Perhaps most significantly, the rise of generative AI tools in classrooms has forced training institutions to rethink what teachers actually need to know—and how quickly they need to learn it.
Governments Prioritize Teacher Training Investment
Education ministries worldwide are backing rhetoric with funding. In the United States, federal grants for teacher residency programs—year-long, paid clinical placements in high-need schools—have expanded significantly, with early data suggesting that residency-trained teachers stay in the profession at higher rates than their traditionally trained peers. The United Kingdom has revised its core content framework for initial teacher training, placing greater emphasis on evidence-based instructional methods and early reading instruction. Meanwhile, countries such as Singapore and Finland continue to set the global benchmark, requiring research-intensive master’s degrees for all teachers and embedding continuous professional learning into the weekly work schedule rather than treating it as an optional extra.
What Effective Teacher Training Looks Like in 2026
Research consistently points to several hallmarks of high-quality teacher training. First, clinical practice matters. Programs that pair coursework with extended, mentored classroom experience produce more confident and effective teachers than those relying on theory alone. Second, mentorship is essential. Structured induction programs that pair novice teachers with experienced mentors reduce attrition dramatically during the critical first three to five years—the period when most teachers leave the profession. Third, training must be continuous. One-off workshops have been shown to have little lasting impact; sustained coaching and collaboration, such as professional learning communities within schools, yield far better results.
Technology is also transforming how training is delivered. Virtual reality classroom simulations now allow trainee teachers to rehearse difficult conversations—handling a disruptive student, delivering feedback to parents—before facing real classrooms. AI-powered coaching platforms provide teachers with instant feedback on lesson recordings, analyzing everything from questioning techniques to student engagement patterns. These tools supplement, rather than replace, the human mentorship that remains at the heart of effective training.
Persistent Challenges: Shortages, Funding, and Equity
Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Teacher shortages in STEM subjects, special education, and rural schools continue to strain systems worldwide, and training pipelines are not keeping pace with demand. Critics argue that fast-track alternative certification routes, while helpful for filling vacancies, sometimes skimp on pedagogical preparation—raising concerns about long-term teacher effectiveness and retention. Funding is another obstacle: in many regions, professional development budgets are the first to be cut during fiscal tightening, leaving teachers to pursue growth opportunities on their own time and dime. Equity is a further concern, with schools serving disadvantaged communities often receiving the least experienced teachers and the fewest training resources—precisely where well-prepared educators are needed most.
What This Means for Aspiring and Current Teachers
For those entering the profession, the message from education leaders is clear: choose training programs with strong clinical components and mentorship structures, and verify accreditation. For current teachers, districts are increasingly offering micro-credentials and stackable certifications in areas such as AI literacy, multilingual instruction, and inclusive education—valuable pathways for career advancement. Parents and policymakers, meanwhile, should recognize that investment in teacher training is among the highest-leverage education spending available: research consistently identifies teacher quality as the single most important school-based factor in student achievement.
The Road Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, the direction of travel is unmistakable. Teacher training is no longer viewed as a one-time credential but as a career-long ecosystem—one that must adapt as fast as the classrooms it serves. Systems that treat teacher development as an ongoing investment, rather than a compliance box to tick, will be the ones that attract and retain the educators their students deserve. The question is no longer whether teacher training matters, but whether our institutions are willing to fund and design it for the demands of a rapidly changing world.
School Funding in 2026: How Budgets, Policy Shifts, and Enrollment Trends Are Reshaping America’s Classrooms
School funding has always been the backbone of public education—yet in 2026, the conversation around how schools are financed is more consequential than ever. From shifting federal priorities and state-level reform battles to declining enrollment and rising operational costs, districts across the country are being forced to make difficult decisions about the resources available to students. For parents, educators, administrators, and policymakers, understanding the mechanics and trends of school funding is no longer optional—it is essential.
Why School Funding Matters More Than You Think
Funding determines far more than textbook purchases and building maintenance. Research consistently links adequate and equitably distributed school funding to higher student achievement, improved graduation rates, and better long-term outcomes, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds. When budgets tighten, the effects ripple outward: larger class sizes, reduced counseling and support services, deferred maintenance, and cuts to arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs—the very offerings that keep students engaged and connected to their school communities.
In short, school funding is not a bureaucratic line item. It is a statement of priorities—and its impact is measured in student outcomes.
Where School Funding Comes From
Public school funding in the United States draws from three primary sources:
– Local revenue, largely property taxes, which historically made up the largest share in many communities.
– State revenue, distributed through funding formulas that vary dramatically from state to state.
– Federal revenue, which typically accounts for a smaller but influential share, targeted toward specific populations such as students with disabilities, low-income students, and English learners.
This three-tiered structure means that a school’s resources can depend heavily on its zip code—a persistent equity challenge that courts and legislatures have grappled with for decades. Many states have adopted weighted funding formulas that direct additional resources to students with greater needs, but implementation and adequacy remain hotly debated.
The 2026 Landscape: Key Trends to Watch
1. The Fiscal Cliff and the End of Emergency Relief
The expiration of pandemic-era federal relief funds has left many districts facing a genuine fiscal cliff. ESSER dollars—which funded tutoring, technology, and staffing—are largely spent or obligated, forcing districts to decide which programs to sustain with general funds and which to cut. Districts with declining enrollment face compounding pressure, since many funding formulas are tied to student counts.
2. Enrollment Declines and Budget Adjustments
Demographic shifts, lower birth rates, and expanded school choice options have contributed to enrollment declines in many regions. Because funding often follows the student, districts must right-size their operations—consolidating schools, reducing staff, or restructuring programs—while striving to protect classroom instruction.
3. State Formula Reforms and Legal Battles
Several states are revisiting their funding formulas in response to adequacy lawsuits, cost studies, and changing student needs. Advocates argue that formulas must be updated to reflect the true cost of educating students—including special education services, mental health supports, and English language instruction—while critics of increased spending demand greater accountability and transparency.
4. School Choice and Funding Portability
The expansion of voucher and education savings account programs in numerous states continues to reshape the funding landscape, diverting public dollars toward private education options. Supporters frame these programs as expanding parental choice; opponents warn of reduced resources for traditional public schools and uneven access for the students who need the most support.
5. Rising Costs and Staffing Pressures
Inflation in areas like insurance, utilities, transportation, and facilities maintenance has squeezed district budgets. Simultaneously, competitive labor markets and teacher shortages have pushed districts to invest more in salaries and retention—investments that are necessary but costly.
What This Means for Stakeholders
For parents: Pay attention to district budget hearings and school board meetings. Budget decisions directly shape class sizes, program offerings, and services your child receives. Ask how funding is allocated and how equity is being addressed.
For educators and administrators: Transparency and strategic planning are critical. Districts that communicate clearly about budget constraints—and that prioritize evidence-based investments—build trust with their communities and protect what matters most: instruction and student support.
For policymakers: The evidence is clear that money matters, and how it is spent matters just as much. Adequate, equitable, and stable funding formulas—paired with accountability—offer the strongest path to improved outcomes.
The Bottom Line
School funding is a dynamic, high-stakes issue that touches every classroom in the country. In 2026, districts are navigating a post-relief fiscal reality, enrollment shifts, rising costs, and evolving policy landscapes—all while working to deliver on the promise of a quality education for every student. Understanding how school funding works, where it comes from, and where it is headed empowers communities to advocate effectively and ensures that resources reach the students who need them most. The conversation about school funding is not just about money—it is about opportunity, equity, and the future of public education itself.
Accountability in Education: Why It Matters More Than Ever in 2026
Introduction
Accountability has become one of the most discussed—and most misunderstood—concepts in education today. From school boards to classrooms, from federal policy to parent-teacher conferences, the word surfaces constantly. But what does accountability actually mean in an educational context, and why does it matter more now than ever before?
In 2026, as schools navigate post-pandemic learning recovery, rapid technological change, and growing public scrutiny, accountability has evolved from a bureaucratic checkbox into a cornerstone of effective education. This article explores what accountability means for schools, teachers, students, and policymakers—and how a renewed focus on accountability can drive meaningful improvement.
What Is Accountability in Education?
At its core, educational accountability is the principle that schools, educators, and systems are responsible for student outcomes—and must answer transparently for how resources, time, and trust are used. Accountability is not simply about punishment or blame; it is about creating clear expectations, measuring progress honestly, and responding with action when results fall short.
Accountability operates at multiple levels:
– System-level accountability: Governments and districts answer to the public for funding, equity, and overall performance.
– School-level accountability: Principals and school leaders are responsible for culture, instruction quality, and continuous improvement.
– Teacher-level accountability: Educators are accountable for delivering effective instruction and supporting every learner.
– Student-level accountability: Students take ownership of their learning, effort, and growth.
Why Accountability Matters More Than You Think
Accountability is often reduced to standardized test scores and compliance reports. That narrow view misses its real power. When done well, accountability:
1. Builds public trust. Communities invest heavily in education. Transparent reporting on outcomes—and honest conversations about challenges—strengthens confidence in schools.
2. Drives equity. Accountability data shines a light on gaps between student groups, ensuring that vulnerable learners are not overlooked.
3. Supports continuous improvement. Regular measurement and reflection help schools identify what works and adjust what doesn’t.
4. Empowers educators. Clear expectations and meaningful professional support give teachers a framework for growth rather than vague criticism.
5. Protects students. Ultimately, accountability exists to ensure every child receives the quality education they deserve.
The Shifting Landscape of Accountability in 2026
The past several years have reshaped how accountability works in practice. Several trends stand out:
Beyond test scores. Many states and districts are broadening accountability frameworks to include measures such as student engagement, attendance, college and career readiness, and social-emotional development. This more holistic approach recognizes that a quality education cannot be captured by a single number.
Data transparency and dashboards. Public-facing data dashboards now allow parents and community members to view school performance in real time. This transparency increases pressure on systems to act—and gives families the information they need to advocate for their children.
AI and assessment. The rise of artificial intelligence in classrooms has introduced new accountability questions: How do we assess authentic student work? How do schools ensure responsible AI use? Districts are developing new policies that balance innovation with integrity.
Teacher accountability reimagined. Rather than punitive evaluation systems, many districts are moving toward accountability models built on coaching, peer observation, and professional learning communities—approaches that treat accountability as a support system, not a sanction.
Challenges and Criticisms
Accountability is not without controversy. Critics point out that poorly designed systems can encourage “teaching to the test,” narrow the curriculum, or unfairly penalize schools serving high-needs communities. Others argue that accountability pressures contribute to teacher burnout and discourage innovation.
These concerns are valid—and they underscore an important truth: accountability must be designed thoughtfully. Effective accountability systems share key features:
– Multiple measures rather than a single indicator
– Context sensitivity that accounts for student demographics and resource disparities
– Constructive consequences that trigger support and intervention, not just penalties
– Stakeholder voice, including input from teachers, parents, and students
Top Strategies for Strengthening Accountability
For education leaders looking to build stronger accountability cultures, several strategies stand out in 2026:
1. Set clear, shared goals. Accountability begins with alignment—everyone must understand what success looks like.
2. Invest in data literacy. Data only drives improvement when educators know how to interpret and use it.
3. Pair accountability with capacity-building. Expectations without support set schools up to fail. Professional development must accompany accountability measures.
4. Communicate transparently. Regular, accessible reporting to families and communities builds trust and shared ownership.
5. Review and refine. Accountability systems themselves must be accountable—regularly evaluated for fairness and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Accountability in education is far more than a policy requirement—it is a commitment to students, families, and communities that their trust and investment will be met with results. As schools confront the challenges of 2026 and beyond, a thoughtful, balanced approach to accountability will be essential. The goal is not to assign blame but to build a culture of responsibility, transparency, and continuous improvement—one where every stakeholder plays a role in ensuring that all students thrive.
For educators, parents, and policymakers alike, understanding accountability—and demanding that it be done well—is one of the most important steps toward a stronger, fairer education system.
Closing the Divide: Why Skills Gaps Are Reshaping Education and the Workforce in 2026
Education News Desk — For decades, policymakers and employers have treated the skills gap as a distant concern—a mismatch between what workers can do and what jobs require. In 2026, that gap has moved from the margins to the center of national conversation. With rapid advances in artificial intelligence, the green energy transition, and an aging workforce, the distance between available talent and market demand is widening faster than traditional education systems can respond. Understanding the nature of skills gaps—and how schools, universities, and employers are closing them—has never been more urgent.
What Are Skills Gaps, Exactly?
A skills gap exists when the competencies of the available workforce do not align with the skills employers need to fill open roles. These gaps take several forms:
– Technical gaps: Shortages in fields such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, healthcare technology, and renewable energy engineering.
– Soft-skill gaps: Persistent employer complaints about communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability among entry-level hires.
– Regional gaps: Mismatches between where talent lives and where jobs are created, particularly in rural and post-industrial communities.
– Equity gaps: Underrepresentation of women, minorities, and older workers in high-growth sectors, limiting the talent pool employers can draw from.
According to recent labor-market analyses, a majority of employers worldwide report difficulty filling at least some positions, and the World Economic Forum projects that nearly 40% of core workplace skills will shift by 2030. The message is clear: skills gaps are no longer a cyclical hiring problem—they are a structural feature of the modern economy.
The Forces Widening the Gap
Several converging trends are intensifying skills gaps in 2026.
AI and automation are reshaping job descriptions faster than curricula can be updated. Roles that existed five years ago now demand data literacy, prompt engineering, and the ability to supervise automated systems. Meanwhile, demand surges for workers who can build, audit, and govern AI tools responsibly.
The green transition is creating entirely new occupational categories—battery technicians, grid modernization specialists, carbon auditors—for which few training programs yet exist at scale.
Demographic shifts compound the problem. As experienced workers retire, they take institutional knowledge with them, and the pipeline of younger workers is not keeping pace in critical trades and technical fields.
How Education Systems Are Responding
The most promising responses share a common trait: they bring educators and employers into the same room.
Micro-credentials and stackable certificates have moved from experiment to mainstream. Short, targeted programs in cloud computing, project management, and healthcare administration allow learners to gain job-ready skills in months rather than years—and to stack credentials toward degrees over time.
Industry-aligned curricula are expanding through partnerships between community colleges and local employers. Apprenticeship models once confined to the trades are now appearing in software development, banking, and healthcare, blending paid work with structured learning.
Career and technical education (CTE) is experiencing a renaissance in secondary schools, with pathways in engineering, health sciences, and information technology that culminate in recognized certifications.
Higher education is adapting, too—embedding digital literacy across disciplines, requiring experiential learning, and redesigning advising to help students navigate a labor market that rewards continuous upskilling.
What Employers and Policymakers Must Do
Education alone cannot close skills gaps. Employers increasingly recognize that “hire for potential, train for skill” is a competitive necessity. Internal academies, tuition-assistance programs, and skills-based hiring—evaluating candidates on demonstrated competencies rather than degree requirements—are gaining traction.
Policymakers, meanwhile, face pressure to fund workforce development at scale: expanding Pell Grant eligibility for short-term programs, modernizing labor-market data so students can see which credentials pay off, and incentivizing regional coordination among schools, workforce boards, and industry.
The Road Ahead
Skills gaps are not a problem to be “solved” once and for all—they are a permanent feature of a dynamic economy that must be continuously managed. The institutions that thrive will be those that treat skill-building as a lifelong partnership among learners, educators, and employers rather than a one-time credential.
For students and job seekers, the practical takeaway is clear: prioritize adaptability, pursue credentials with demonstrated labor-market value, and never assume that education ends at graduation. For educators and policymakers, the imperative is equally clear—close the distance between the classroom and the workplace before the gap becomes a chasm.
Stay tuned to Education News for ongoing coverage of workforce readiness, credential innovation, and the policies shaping tomorrow’s talent pipeline.
Federal Regulation in Education: What the 2026 Policy Shift Means for Schools, Students, and Families
Federal regulation has always shaped American education, but the past year has brought a wave of changes that few administrators, teachers, or parents can afford to ignore. From revised Title IX enforcement to new rules on student data privacy and federal funding accountability, the regulatory landscape is shifting quickly—and understanding it is now essential for anyone involved in education.
This guide breaks down what’s changing, why it matters, and how schools and families can prepare.
Why Federal Regulation Matters in Education
The U.S. Department of Education doesn’t run schools directly, but its regulations determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow to states and districts—and what strings are attached. Federal rules govern everything from how schools handle discrimination complaints to how they report graduation rates, spend Title I money, and protect student privacy.
When federal regulation changes, the effects ripple outward: districts rewrite policies, compliance offices retrain staff, and families see new forms, deadlines, and rights. In 2026, several major regulatory updates are doing exactly that.
Key Changes on the Horizon
1. Title IX and Civil Rights Enforcement
New rules governing how schools investigate and respond to sex-based discrimination complaints have altered timelines, evidentiary standards, and reporting requirements. Districts are now required to designate trained personnel and publish clearer grievance procedures. Education advocates on both sides continue to debate the changes, and several states have filed legal challenges—meaning schools must track both federal requirements and local court rulings.
2. Student Data Privacy and AI Use
As artificial intelligence tools proliferate in classrooms, federal regulators have proposed updated guidance on how student data may be collected, stored, and used by edtech vendors. While comprehensive federal privacy legislation remains stalled in Congress, agency guidance now signals expectations for districts contracting with AI providers—particularly around parental consent and data minimization.
3. Federal Funding Accountability
New reporting requirements attached to federal grants ask districts to document outcomes more rigorously, including disaggregated student performance data. While intended to increase transparency, administrators warn the rules add significant administrative burden, especially for small and rural districts with limited compliance staff.
4. Special Education Compliance
Updates to special education monitoring emphasize timely evaluations and dispute resolution. The Department has signaled tighter oversight of how states track compliance, with potential funding consequences for persistent violations.
What This Means for Schools and Districts
For school leaders, the message is clear: compliance is no longer a back-burner issue. Districts are advised to:
– Audit current policies against the latest federal guidance before the next funding cycle.
– Invest in training for staff on grievance procedures, data handling, and reporting obligations.
– Document everything—federal reviewers increasingly expect a clear paper trail.
– Monitor litigation, since court rulings can pause or reshape rules mid-year.
Smaller districts, in particular, may need to pool resources through regional service agencies or cooperatives to keep pace.
What Parents and Students Should Know
Families have more leverage—and more responsibility—than many realize. Federal regulation guarantees certain rights: to file discrimination complaints, to access student records, to receive services outlined in an IEP or 504 plan, and to expect reasonable data privacy protections.
Parents should watch for updated handbooks and consent forms at the start of each term, and they can contact their state’s education agency or the federal Office for Civil Rights if they believe a school is out of compliance. Understanding these channels turns federal regulation from an abstract concept into a practical tool for advocacy.
The Debate Over Regulatory Reach
Not everyone welcomes the expansion. Critics argue that layered federal mandates strain local budgets and divert resources from instruction. Supporters counter that without federal guardrails, vulnerable students—including those with disabilities, English learners, and students facing discrimination—can fall through the cracks. This tension is as old as the Department of Education itself, and it will shape the next round of rulemaking regardless of which party controls Washington.
Looking Ahead
Expect continued volatility. Legal challenges to recent rules could freeze enforcement in some states while leaving it intact in others, creating a patchwork that districts must navigate carefully. Meanwhile, emerging issues—AI in assessment, cybersecurity for school networks, and chronic absenteeism reporting—are likely candidates for the next wave of federal regulation.
Conclusion
Federal regulation is not a distant bureaucratic concern—it directly shapes how schools operate, how funds are spent, and how students’ rights are protected. For education professionals, staying informed is a professional obligation; for families, it’s a form of empowerment. Whether you’re a superintendent revising policy, a teacher navigating new procedures, or a parent reviewing a consent form, the takeaway is the same: read the fine print, ask questions early, and treat compliance as a shared responsibility. In a year of rapid change, informed stakeholders are the best defense against confusion—and the strongest advocates for students.
Literacy Instruction in 2026: Why the Science of Reading Is Reshaping Classrooms Nationwide
The debate over how to teach children to read has roiled education circles for decades, but a growing consensus—grounded in cognitive science and classroom evidence—is quietly transforming literacy instruction across the country. From statehouses mandating evidence-based curricula to districts retraining thousands of teachers, the shift represents one of the most significant changes to early education in a generation.
The Shift Toward Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction
For years, many schools relied on a “balanced literacy” approach that emphasized exposure to books and context clues over explicit phonics. But a mounting body of research—popularized by journalists and advocacy groups—has pushed policymakers and educators toward what is often called the “science of reading”: a body of evidence showing that most children learn to read best through systematic, explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
The results are visible in legislation. More than 40 states have passed laws or enacted policies requiring evidence-based literacy instruction, teacher training in the science of reading, or screening for reading difficulties such as dyslexia. In 2026, the focus has moved from passing laws to implementing them well—a far harder task.
What Effective Literacy Instruction Looks Like
Experts caution that “science of reading” is not a single curriculum but a set of principles. High-quality literacy instruction typically includes:
– Explicit phonics lessons taught in a structured sequence, helping students decode words rather than guess at them.
– Phonemic awareness activities that build sensitivity to the individual sounds within words.
– Cumulative review so that foundational skills are reinforced rather than abandoned once introduced.
– Rich content knowledge, including history, science, and literature, because reading comprehension depends heavily on background knowledge.
– Frequent assessment to identify students who need additional support before they fall behind.
“Literacy instruction works best when it is systematic and cumulative,” said one reading researcher familiar with statewide implementation efforts. “The schools seeing the biggest gains are the ones pairing strong core instruction with targeted intervention for struggling readers.”
The Implementation Challenge
Translating research into practice remains the central challenge. Many teachers trained in balanced literacy methods report feeling underprepared to deliver structured phonics lessons. Districts are investing heavily in professional development, coaching, and high-quality instructional materials, but capacity varies widely.
Implementation is also uneven within schools. A 2026 survey of elementary educators found that while most teachers supported evidence-based literacy instruction in principle, fewer than half felt they had received adequate training to deliver it confidently. Time constraints, class sizes, and competing curriculum demands compound the problem.
Early Results and Cautions
Where implementation has been most thorough, early results are encouraging. Several states that overhauled literacy instruction several years ago have reported measurable gains in early-grade reading proficiency, particularly among students from low-income families and English learners—groups that historically lagged behind.
Yet researchers urge patience and nuance. Reading scores are influenced by many factors, including poverty, attendance, and school funding, and gains can take years to appear. Critics also warn against overcorrecting: comprehension, writing, and a love of reading must not be lost in the push for phonics. The most effective literacy instruction, experts emphasize, balances foundational skills with rich, engaging reading experiences.
What Parents and Educators Should Watch
As the 2026–27 school year approaches, several trends are worth tracking:
1. Teacher preparation reform. Colleges of education are revising coursework to align with reading science, but change is slow.
2. Screening and intervention. More states now require universal early screening, aiming to catch reading difficulties in kindergarten and first grade.
3. Curriculum transparency. Parents increasingly ask what materials their children’s schools use—and whether they are evidence-based.
4. Funding sustainability. Many literacy initiatives rely on time-limited grants; sustaining coaching and materials long-term will be critical.
The Bottom Line
Literacy instruction is no longer a niche concern for reading specialists—it is a central policy and classroom issue shaping how millions of children learn. The move toward evidence-based practice holds real promise, but its success depends on sustained investment in teachers, honest evaluation of results, and a balanced approach that never loses sight of why reading matters in the first place: to open doors to knowledge, imagination, and opportunity. For educators and families alike, staying informed about literacy instruction is one of the most valuable ways to support the next generation of readers.