New Hampshire
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Updated 2025
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the SoR?
Yes.
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
New Hampshire is a local control state, meaning each school district may independently select and purchase its own instructional materials. However, all instructional practices must comply with RSA 189:53. Effective July 1, 2027, all school districts and chartered public schools providing elementary education will be required to implement evidence-based instruction in grades K–5, in accordance with RSA 189:53.
The New Hampshire Department of Education has awarded literacy grants for high‑quality instructional materials aligned with the Science of Reading.
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
Course Modules: HB1015 -RSA 189:53 Literacy Skill Development in Elementary Grades (instructure.com)
Please describe any other instructional-materials work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable.
NHED has awarded literacy grants for high‑quality instructional materials aligned with the Science of Reading.
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
Yes, guidance. Implementation Guidance- Screening and Intervention for Risk Factors for Dyslexia and Related Disorders (instructure.com
Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
Bridging the Gap in the 603: Pathways to Literacy Proficiency Request for Applications
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
Guidance on MTSS-R was published as part of NHED Dyslexia.
Grants MTSS RFA Overview (Application and Template are linked within)
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development
No. New Hampshire is a local control state, meaning decisions related to instruction and professional development—including hour requirements—are determined at the local (district or school) level. The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) licensure team sets requirements for certification, but not instructional hours.
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
New Hampshire Department of Education has provided funding for LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional development, as well as Train-the-Trainer initiatives through thinkSRSD.
The New Hampshire Department of Education has partnered with Credentials Unlimited, an organization led by Dr. Lori Severino and Donna Hejtmanek. Credentials Unlimited offers micro-credentials for coursework aligned with the Science of Reading, providing educators with evidence-based professional learning opportunities that support improved literacy instruction.
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
Current work in progress
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading and Multilingual learners?
Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?
Work in Progress
Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?
Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading.
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Literacy
NHED has collaborated with various educator associations, such as the NH Reading League, to support multiple projects, including instructing educators through case studies of struggling literacy learners and a Book Group that develops modules for higher education using the core text Teaching Reading Sourcebook.
NHED collaborates with the International Dyslexia Association of New England to promote dyslexia awareness and provide evidence-based techniques to help students with dyslexia and knowledge of evidence-based literacy practices.
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work:
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.
