Overview

The NC Literacy Instruction Standards (LIS) are new to North Carolina's schools.  Districts are expected to begin LIS implementation, monitoring, & feedback dialogue.  According to SB387, modifications shall be implemented into curriculum and instruction as soon as possible, and all modified curriculum and instruction shall be in place beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.  The Prek-12 standards are applicable to the teaching of reading across all content areas. Teachers are asked to integrate LIS when planning core, supplemental, and intensive interventions to assist students in meeting the demands of the NC SCOS.  The Literacy Instruction Standards are developed by grade bands. Teachers may select standards from either grade band according to students' multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) instructional needs. The strategies may be used in whole/small groups and one-to-one. 

Background Knowledge:                                                                                                                                                                                 

On October 7, 2021, the North Carolina State Board of Education approved the Literacy Instruction Standards (LIS) as outlined in Section V of SB 387: Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021. LIS serve as a framework for the development and alignment of curriculum and instruction for all public schools. These standards are defined as a level of quality and equity to be used consistently within core literacy instruction statewide.

In December 2022, districts completed a form regarding the measures taken by each LEA to implement the requirements regarding the Literacy Instruction Standards (LIS) and literacy implementation plan pursuant to SB387.  NCDPI's review of these forms was completed by November 15, 2023. 

While the NC Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS) sets student expectations, the Literacy Instructional Standards and their associated instructional practices set expectations for teaching literacy.  The LIS framework is organized by grade bands and can be used to ensure that all teachers across North Carolina have a common understanding and delivery of literacy instruction.

The LIS framework does not indicate an exhaustive list of literacy instruction practices and may not fully capture all instructional practices that have the potential to positively impact students’ literacy achievement in K-12. New literacy research could modify and/or add to the instructional practices listed (reference Link).

In an effort to keep stakeholders informed, the NCDPI ELA Team provides monthly updates that contain the latest announcements and current news regarding the Literacy Instruction Standards. These updates are sent every first Friday of the month. To receive these updates straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to their listserve (reference Link).

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LIS Resources & Webinar Recordings Link

View the Literacy Instructional Standards (LIS) grade bands and their associated instructional practices below:

Pre-K LIS 

Grades K-2

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-8