As New York City Public Schools advances its NYC Reads initiative, early results from elementary schools implementing Wit & Wisdom™ offer encouraging signs for literacy achievement across the city.
In the first phase of rollout, schools pairing a knowledge-rich curriculum with sustained coaching support are seeing measurable improvements in ELA proficiency and classroom engagement, with gains of up to 21.9 percentage points across grades 3–5.
A Knowledge-Rich Approach to Literacy
The approach centers on building deep content knowledge while strengthening reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Just as important, educators are supported through ongoing coaching that helps translate curriculum design into effective classroom practice. Together, high-quality instructional materials and implementation support are helping schools build coherence across grades and strengthen literacy instruction for all students.
Educators report that the shift is noticeable. Classrooms are seeing richer discussions, stronger engagement with complex texts, and more confident student participation. Teachers also describe feeling better prepared and more supported as they implement the curriculum.
One teacher in NYC’s District 2 told us, “I am very impressed with Wit & Wisdom in comparison to ELA programs I’ve used in the past. The delivery of the launch training was exceptional as well.”
Supporting All Learners
This early success spans districts that serve a wide range of students, including multilingual learners and students with disabilities. Instruction is intentionally designed to provide access to rigorous content while supporting language development and comprehension, ensuring that all learners can engage meaningfully with grade-level texts.
Coaching and Partnership Drive Implementation
Sustained coaching has emerged as a critical component of successful implementation. Coaches work alongside teachers and school leaders, helping them unpack standards, plan instruction, and adapt pacing while honoring existing expertise and classroom realities.
In addition to coaching support, dedicated Success Leads stay in close communication with superintendent teams to help guide implementation and strategically plan next steps. This ongoing partnership ensures that schools not only launch Wit & Wisdom successfully but also continue strengthening instruction as the work evolves across grades and schools.
A District 3 principal noted, “[The coach’s] ability to break down complex components of Wit & Wisdom, honor teachers’ existing strengths, and offer practical, immediate next steps has already strengthened instruction across classrooms.”
Educators consistently highlight the value of coaching relationships built on trust, responsiveness, and practical guidance. This partnership model helps teachers develop confidence and refine practice over time, rather than navigate implementation alone.
Looking Ahead to the Next Phase of NYC Reads
As NYC Public Schools prepares for the next phase of middle school adoption, these early outcomes point to a scalable model for literacy improvement: a knowledge-rich curriculum aligned to NYC Reads priorities, paired with sustained, job-embedded coaching.
More importantly, the progress reflects what is possible when teachers are equipped with strong instructional materials and ongoing support — and when students are given consistent access to meaningful grade-level content.
Download the success story to see the full results and learn how NYC schools are strengthening literacy outcomes.
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