Rethinking Early Literacy Through Language, Assessment & Coherence

Recorded live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, this session featured Nell K. Duke, Executive Director and Professor at the Center for Early Literacy and Learning Success, Stand for Children, and The University of Michigan; Steve Hannon, President and CEO at LENA; Tenette Smith, Chief Academic Officer at the Maryland State Department of Education; and Jackie Mader, Senior Early Childhood Reporter at The Hechinger Report.The speakers explored how early literacy can be rethought through stronger alignment across language development, assessment, and system-wide coherence. They discussed how research, policy, and practice have shaped more effective approaches to literacy by emphasizing the foundational role of language, improving how progress is measured, and creating more connected systems that support educators and young learners. The session highlighted how coherent strategies can drive better literacy outcomes and more equitable opportunities from the earliest stages of education