About the K-12 Literacy Supports Initiative
In Budget 2024, the Province committed $30 million over three years to improve literacy outcomes for students across British Columbia. The K–12 Literacy Supports Initiative is B.C.’s approach to strengthening literacy development throughout the K–12 education system and ensuring that early literacy instruction and interventions are aligned with leading evidence-based practices. The initiative is grounded in the understanding that strong early literacy skills are foundational to long-term academic success, student well-being, and engagement across all areas of learning.
The initiative aims to improve students’ literacy skills through the implementation of early literacy screening, enabling earlier identification of reading difficulties and the timely delivery of instructional supports and interventions. It also supports schools and teachers by ensuring they have the tools, training, and resources required to effectively implement early literacy screening and respond to the needs of their students, including those who may benefit from additional literacy supports and interventions.
Through early and effective identification and the delivery of appropriate supports, the K–12 Literacy Supports Initiative aims to strengthen literacy development, reduce achievement gaps, and support students’ lifelong reading and learning.
What is Early Literacy Screening?
Early literacy screening is a formative assessment process that provides valuable information about students’ early literacy skills and helps identify gaps within the education system. Early literacy screening is administered using brief, evidence-based screening tools that support teachers in identifying students who may benefit from additional literacy instruction or intervention. Early literacy screening tools assess key elements of early literacy, such as phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and decoding skills, to gauge where students are in their development of foundational reading skills and inform targeted instruction and intervention. Screening tools are intended to be used with most students and are typically administered by classroom teachers.
Early literacy screening is not a diagnostic assessment or an evaluation of a student's academic achievements. The results of early literacy screening are not meant to designate in an inclusive education funding category or grade students, nor are results meant to evaluate the performance of teachers or make decisions about funding.
Latest News and Updates
Update: September 12, 2025
The Province has introduced mandatory early literacy screening to support the early identification of students who may benefit from additional reading support, beginning in Kindergarten. Beginning this school year (2025-2026), screening is required for Kindergarten students, with planning underway to support a standardized approach to screening from Kindergarten through Grade 3 in the coming years. School districts will use screening tools that align with ministry-identified criteria, alongside ongoing work to develop a single B.C. screening tool for use across the province.
BC Gov News- B.C. launches mandatory early literacy screening to help students succeed
Past News Releases:
- April 16, 2024: BC Gov News- B.C. takes action to improve literacy for students
Resources for Schools and Districts
- Early Literacy Screening Tools Resource (PDF, 1.5MB): provides ministry criteria and guidance on evidence-based early literacy screening tools, including approved commercially available tools and grade-specific screening criteria
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 281KB): provides clear, question-and-answer guidance on the purpose, use, administration, and expectations for early literacy screening across B.C.’s K–12 system
- BC Curriculum: for information on provincial learning expectations and competencies that underpin early literacy development
- BC Learning Pathways: are a set of teacher developed resources that help teachers support the development of students’ literacy and numeracy skills across all learning areas from K-12
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
- All About Early Literacy – Parent and Caregiver Brochure (PDF, 1.3MB): a guide for parents and caregivers that explains early literacy development, how it is supported at school, and practical ways to support literacy learning at home
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 281KB): provides clear, question-and-answer guidance on the purpose, use, administration, and expectations for early literacy screening across B.C.’s K–12 system
- Letter to parents and caregivers of Kindergarten students: a letter from the Minister of Education and Child Care which outlines early literacy screening in Kindergarten, including its purpose, what families can expect, and how it supports early identification and learning support
- Make Mealtime Family Learning Time Backgrounder: a resource developed by Decoda Literacy Solutions to support the development of literacy skills and strengthen family bonds during mealtimes
- Public libraries: may offer free early literacy programs, such as story times for children and caregivers, and provide access to books and, in some communities, games, toys, and other literacy-building resources for the whole family
- Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP): a free family literacy program delivered in partnership with post-secondary institutions and community and Indigenous organizations, supporting families to build literacy skills together
- Assessing & supporting your child's development: webpage that outlines services available to help families monitor and support their child’s early development, including language, communication, and learning
- StrongStart BC: a free early learning program offered through local school districts for children from birth to five and their caregivers, supporting language, cognitive, and social-emotional development
- Child Care Resource and Referral’s (CCRR) lending libraries: many CCRR centres offer free lending libraries where families can borrow books, toys, and learning materials, often in multiple languages, to support early learning and development
- Learning in the Primary Years: a resource that teachers may use to guide literacy and learning in the early grades, supporting the development of reading, writing, and communication skills
- Early Learning Framework A Guide for Families: explains how the Early Learning Framework may be used by child care providers and primary teachers, and how families can support early learning and literacy at home
Contact
Email: literacy.supports@gov.bc.ca