The Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR) is dedicated to advancing literacy achievement and educational equity for all students across New Jersey.

Established through landmark legislation in 2024, LEAR serves as the state's central hub for literacy leadership, coordination, and support. New Jersey is committed to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in explicit and systematic teaching practices. Recognizing that skilled reading develops through the integration of word recognition and language comprehension, the NJDOE promotes instructional approaches that build foundational reading skills alongside vocabulary, language, and knowledge development. Together, these essential components empower students to read proficiently, engage with complex texts, and achieve long-term academic success.

Our Goals

  • Collect and analyze data to inform decision-making.
  • Coordinate resources.
  • Research best practices.
  • Provide support to school districts.
  • Develop resources to support teaching and learning.
  • Oversee the Working Group on Student Literacy.
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Universal Screening

Universal literacy screening guidance

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Professional Development &
Training Requirements

Evidence-based foundational literacy professional development requirements

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LEARning About Literacy Hub

Evidence-based literacy resources hub

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NJDOE Resources

NJDOE-created resources to support evidence-based literacy instruction

Grants

LEAR-supported grants information

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Broadcasts & Legislation

Broadcasts and legislation related to LEAR

Page Last Updated: 08/18/2026