Literacy Timeline

By msturgis
  • 3500 BCE

    Cuneiform Script

    Cuneiform script is the earliest known form of writing, which is reported to have been developed by ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia. The creation of this writing system ultimately created literature and allowed for wide expansion.

  • Montessori Schools

    Maria Montessori first created Montessori schools in 1907. Montessori classrooms have been a staple in a child’s reading and writing development throughout the years. These schools have a curriculum different than any other school. Students learn reading and math skills through different manipulative materials. This allows children to explore these skills and gain independence early in life.

  • Founding of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project

    The TCRWP was founded by Lucy Calkins in 1981. The overall goal of the TCRWP is to help students develop different reading and writing skills. Instruction is different, as Calkins strongly believed that “one size fits all”. This kind of instruction includes the following: teaching students strategies they will use every day, supporting small group work, helping student engagement, etc.

  • National Literacy Act of 1991

    Signed by President George H.W. Bush alongside his wife, Baraba Bush who has firm beliefs about literacy. This act gives everyone a chance to get an education. It allows adults to get diplomas and further their knowledge of literacy, rights that may have been previously overlooked before this act of passed.

  • The National Reading Panel

    The National Reading Panel was created by Congress, with the intention of assessing different ways teachers teach students how to read. They determined that the best way students should learn to read should be through systematic instruction. This included phonemic awareness, phonics instruction, improving fluency, and enhancing comprehension.

  • Act 108

    In 2021, the Louisiana Department of Education passed Act 108. This law requires teachers and administrators to complete professional development courses in the science of reading and annual reports. This will help ensure teachers are properly trained to teach their students different literacy skills.