Overview
The NYC Reads English Language Development (ELD) curriculum pilot will help our students learning English improve both literacy and academic performance. The pilot will introduce a consistent ELD curriculum for stand-alone English as a New Language (ENL) instruction, designed to work alongside the regular English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, in 80 schools.
Why is this important?
NYC Reads and NYC Solves have transformed literacy and math instruction across our city. This new pilot takes the work of NYC Reads to the next level by providing select schools with high-quality learning materials that are specifically geared toward students learning English. It will help more students successfully learn English and build stronger literacy skills more quickly.
What are the goals of the pilot?
The ELD pilot uses curricula intentionally designed for
students learning English in stand-alone ENL classes. Stand-alone ENL classes are special times during the school day when students who are learning English receive focused support in a small group. These lessons are in addition to their regular ELA classes. The goal is to help students improve their English speaking, reading, and writing skills more rapidly so they are prepared and confident in their learning across all subjects and in every classroom.
The Curriculum
In the 2025-26 school year, 80 schools in eight districts will try out one of two programs:
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) English 3D in Districts 10, 21, 24, and 25.
- National Geographic Learning Reach Higher in Districts 2, 6, 7, and 18.
Implementation and Timeline
- August 2025: Districts are chosen for the pilot program
- September - October 2025: School leaders and teachers learn about the pilot and attend a “getting started” training
- October 2025 - June 2026: Teachers attend ongoing training, receive in-school coaching, and begin using the program in schools
- Ongoing: Schools share updates on the pilot and their students’ progress towards English language proficiency with families
Common Questions
What is ENL?
ENL stands for English as a New Language. All English Language Learners (ELLs) receive ENL instruction. ELLs are taught to read, write, and speak in English with support in their home language. ELLs receive ENL instruction during regular classes and at a stand-alone time during the day, depending on their English proficiency. Schools participating in this pilot will use the ELD curriculum during the stand-alone time.
Are there online materials?
Both curricula have digital platforms containing practice activities, tests, and other resources. Families at selected schools will receive information on how to access those materials from their school.
Are materials translated into home languages?
The lessons are in English, but teachers can use students’ home languages to help them learn.
What about English Language Learners with disabilities or students with interrupted/inconsistent education?
Both programs include support to help students with different learning needs.
How will families be kept informed and involved in this pilot?
Families are essential to this program. Schools will share updates and information with families to ensure they are informed and involved.