2026 ELA SCOS Installation Material Spotlight

Communications Toolkit

The Communications Toolkit is designed to help public school units (PSUs) communicate the newly adopted 2026 ELA SCOS to stakeholders. It provides ready-to-use templates, key messages, an FAQ, and visual materials to assist with timely and effective communication. The resources included may be adapted to fit PSU needs, helping PSUs keep all stakeholders informed.

The NCDPI ELA Team strongly encourages PSUs to use the provided resources to inform their stakeholders of the 2026 standards adoption.

Additional 2026 ELA SCOS Installation Materials 

Initial Installation Resources Available

Throughout the installation phase, supporting resources will be developed and shared. Stakeholders are encouraged to check the ELA Virtual Implementation Kit (VIK) often for updates and additional resources. 

Adopted 2026 ELA SCOS

Key features of the 2026 English Language Arts Standard Course of Study include:

• Standards and objectives format for consistency with other content area Standard Courses of Study, including a streamlined structure with three strands and one substrand.
• Standards and objectives rooted in three fundamental principles: complex text at the center of instruction; integration of literacy domains (i.e. reading, writing, speaking, and listening); and use of a variety of text genres, modes, formats, and lengths.
• Foundational skills extended to span K-12.
• Language structures and vocabulary skills integrated across all strands.
• Grammar and conventions listed explicitly as grade-level objectives.
• Written and spoken student products expanded to include opinion/persuasive, informational, explanatory/expository, poetry, descriptive, and narrative products.

View the adopted 2026 ELA SCOS K-12 or by grade-band via the ELA Virtual Implementation Kit (VIK).

2017 & 2026 ELA SCOS Crosswalk

The Crosswalk illustrates the variance between the 2017 NC ELA Standard Course of Study and the adopted 2026 NC ELA Standard Course of Study. This resource can be used to assist with adapting and/or revising local curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions Document

The FAQ one-pager includes common questions and answers about the adopted 2026 ELA Standard Course of Study. 

NAEP & ACT Mapping Document

The mapping document connects the NC ELA Standard Course of Study (SCOS) to the 2026 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Framework and 2026 ACT Core Academic Skills Framework.  In support of the NC Strategic Plan: Achieving Educational Excellence, this resource illustrates how the 2026 ELA SCOS aligns with key assessment frameworks, helping stakeholders align instruction and advance the strategic plan’s goals for student achievement and postsecondary readiness.

Installation Timeline

The adoption of the 2026 ELA SCOS marks the beginning of standards installation. During installation (January 2026 - July 2027), both NCDPI and PSUs prepare for implementation. Throughout the installation phase, NCDPI will provide professional development and supporting resources. Some of the resources to expect during installation are below:

• Unpacking Documents by Grade
• Glossary
• Highlighted Vertical Progression
• Parent/Caregiver Guide
• Morphology & Word Work Resource
• Grammar and Conventions Resource
• Sentence Composition Resource

Standards Implementation Guide

The Standards Implementation Guide aims to provide general guidance to PSUs on the considerations that must be made as PSUs and schools install newly revised NCSCOS.

Implementation of Adopted 2026 ELA SCOS 

Note: The current 2017 ELA Standard Course of Study will remain in place for classroom instruction and assessment through the 2026-2027 school year. 

Public school units (PSUs) are expected to implement the 2026 North Carolina Standard Course of Study for K-12 English Language Arts starting in the 2027-2028 school year. Details regarding professional learning opportunities and forthcoming resources will be shared via listservs and social media channels. Consider encouraging colleagues to subscribe to the ELA Team listserv and/or follow the ELA Team's Instagram and Facebook pages, so they can stay informed throughout installation and implementation of the 2026 ELA Standard Course of Study!

ELA Standards Update Webinar #3 This Week!

Mark your calendars for the ELA Standards Update Webinars! 

Join the NCDPI ELA Team to learn more about the newly adopted English Language Arts Standard Course of Study.

Webinars will allow participants to:

• Gain a greater understanding of the adopted 2026 standards
• Explore revisions to the 2017 SCOS
• Dive deeper into the adopted 2026 SCOS organization and structure
• Receive updates on the installation timeline and supporting resources

Upcoming Webinars

Register today for the remaining hour-long learning opportunities, and consider sharing the flyer with colleagues who would be interested in joining! The third standards update webinar is this week on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

• February 5, 2026 | 3:45 - 4:45 | Webinar Registration
• June 11, 2026 | 3:45 - 4:45 | Webinar Registration

Previous Webinars

View recordings of previous webinars to catch up on information you may have missed or share the recordings with colleagues to keep them in the loop! Recordings to previous webinars are available in the ELA Virtual Implementation Kit (VIK) on the Professional Learning Page under On-Demand Resources.

• Standards Update #1: Webinar Recording | Webinar Slides
• Standards Update #2: Webinar Recording | Webinar Slides

Implementing Standards-Based Instruction Webinar Series

This webinar series will provide participants knowledge to confidently implement instruction aligned to content area North Carolina Standard Courses of Study. View the flyer to register or use the registration links for each session to attend!

Foundations of Standards-Based Instruction
February 10, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM | Registration

This session will provide participants with an understanding of the review, revision, and implementation phases for standards in NC. Participants will be guided through the creation of a learning inventory that ensures aligned standards-based instruction in all classrooms.

Differentiating Standards-Based Instruction
March 10, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 |  Registration

This session will guide participants through the basic components of differentiation and how to implement standards-based instructional strategies that support the needs of all learners.

Aligning Standards-Based Instruction
April 14, 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 | Registration

This session will guide participants in creating standards-aligned performance tasks through an understanding of how standards are addressed, taught, and assessed.

11 Principles of Character Education: Building School Cultures Where Every Student Thrives

Join NCDPI for a full-day, interactive professional development session designed to help schools learn how to use the 11 Principles to create a culture of character in their classrooms, schools, and districts. This session will introduce a wide range of approaches, strategies, and practices that school leaders can implement immediately to transform their school climate and culture.  Whether your school is beginning its journey or seeking to deepen its implementation, this workshop will provide:

• A clear overview of each principle
• Examples from NC Schools of Character
• Practical strategies for improving school culture
• Tools for assessing progress and gathering evidence
• Support for completing the School of Character Application

View the session flyer for additional information, and register today for this professional learning opportunity!

Contact Justyn.Burgess@dpi.nc.gov with questions about this session.