ALBANY, NY – The Offices of the New York State Inspector General (OIG) earlier today published five previously non-public letters arising from investigations undertaken by the Office. These letters, which were sent to agencies regarding allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing, provide information on the investigative findings by the Inspector General.

Also included in today’s release is a letter sent to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) pertaining to a new state law charging NYSED with establishing a Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force and implementing its findings.  

New York State is ranked 45th in the nation in literacy, and incarcerated populations experience a greater prevalence of language-based learning differences than the general population. Over the past two years, in connection with her oversight jurisdiction of both the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and Office for Children and Family Services (OCFS), Inspector General Lang visited classrooms in every New York State prison and secure juvenile facility. 

In her letter to NYSED, which is not under OIG’s jurisdiction, Inspector General Lang highlighted her observations of the inconsistencies in literacy instruction and other unique educational issues affecting the student populations she encountered during her visits. She also called for NYSED to expressly consider the needs of these incarcerated students as part of its forthcoming work to enhance literacy statewide.

“The publication of these letters reflects that transparency with the public is a top priority as we continue our work to better State government,” says New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “Equally as important is making sure that New Yorkers in the custody of the agencies we oversee have every opportunity to come home as productive participants in our State. Evidence-based reading instruction must be made available to all of New York’s learners – including those whose classrooms are behind bars.”

“The Inspector General’s letter highlights an often-overlooked part of the literacy wars – the unique concerns of incarcerated students and adults,” says Literacy Advocate Debbie Meyer. “I am hopeful that with hard work from government and advocates alike, we can build a New York in which all students and adults– whether in a mainstream school, an adult education program or a prison – receive a Science of Reading education. Our college prison programs are uniquely poised to help by teaching the college graduates the Science of Reading and good tutoring techniques.”

Read OIG’s published letters HERE, and follow the office’s work @NewYorkStateIG.