4/15/2024

3 Effective Strategies for Implementing Evidence-Based Instruction

With significant momentum behind the science of reading movement, educators are turning to the next big question: how to effectively implement evidence-backed strategies in their own learning communities. 

In Episode 7 of the All For Literacy™ podcast, host Dr. Liz Brooke is joined by Dena Mortensen, an elementary reading and language arts supervisor from Waterbury Public Schools in Waterbury, Connecticut. Mortensen and one Waterbury school are featured in the documentary “Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars,” directed by All For Literacy Episode 6 guest Harvey Hubbell V. 

In the episode, Mortensen provides a boots-on-the-ground look at the effective strategies her team has used to implement the science of reading in their district. She and Brooke explore accessible and actionable ideas for repurposing existing materials, effectively supporting teachers, and using peer-to-peer learning to positively impact student literacy levels.

Strategy 1: Repurposing Existing Materials

If a district has already spent a large amount of money on a program, it can often be difficult for administrators to stomach the idea of tossing materials or buying new ones—even if their program has been proven less effective than others. Mortensen recommends repurposing existing materials to balance budget concerns while supporting the implementation of science of reading best practices.

The books and reading materials from past programs are often still applicable and useful, although the exact use or audience may need to be shifted. “We keep the meat and potatoes; books are books,” she explained. “There's always something you could do with books. You're just either repurposing how you use that book, or you're repurposing the audience based on what that book or program might benefit the most based on the research.”

Mortensen walked listeners through one specific instance where shifting the audience allowed her district to use previously purchased materials. The district purchased a program to use as an intervention for students with phonics needs, only to discover later that evidence showed it was not an effective program for that use. Her team discovered it was “a good program for kids who [needed] extra fluency or comprehension support,” so they kept it for that reason. “We repurposed the audience … as opposed to just tossing the program,” Mortensen said.

Other times, when the science shows that a program is obsolete for its intended purpose, the reading materials from the program can be applied for other uses. Mortensen recommends sending these materials home with kids so that families can practice reading together with some guidance and support from teachers.

Ultimately, repurposing ineffective materials can save money while supporting evidence-based strategies in the classroom.

Strategy 2: Using Peer-to-Peer Learning

Mortensen's second strategy for implementing the science of reading is to facilitate peer-to-peer learning expertise across educators and classrooms. Between extensive years of experience and relevant professional development, teachers have a wealth of knowledge regarding best practices and appropriate models.

Mortensen recommends starting by capitalizing on those individuals who are early adopters of evidence-based practices—the educators who take an interest in new data and follow through.

Using substitute teachers can allow teachers to step away and observe a peer’s classroom, whether to learn something new or provide constructive feedback. “We all have stars and experts in our building, and I don't think we often leverage that expertise and have people observe their peers,” added Brooke.

It can also be useful for fellow teachers to sit in on each other’s classes in order to provide feedback as new teaching models are implemented. “You have somebody give you that feedback and then that bulb goes off and you really never forget it,” said Mortensen.

Strategy 3: Effectively Supporting Teachers

Effectively supporting teachers can make a difference when implementing evidence-based strategies to drive student success. As Mortensen explained, “You can change everything you want, but if the teacher doesn't get supported in what they need, the changes aren’t going to really happen in the classroom, which is where the change needs to happen to make a difference.”

Mortensen and her team found success by doing as much preparation for teachers as possible. “In a survey, our teachers referred to themselves as hunters and gatherers, and we didn't want that,” she said. “We want to be able to provide them with what they need so they can focus on delivering it and doing it, just doing the job.” Packaging needed resources for teachers allows teachers to focus more on student learning and less on weeding through the science and data.

Next, Mortensen discussed the importance of coaching and modeling for teachers. Waterbury schools employ literacy facilitators that walk teachers through new resources and model teaching strategies. These coaches also provide a space for teachers to practice new methods and receive feedback. “Our facilitators are not evaluators. They're there just to support the teachers,” Mortensen explained.

Finally, getting leadership on board with changes is crucial for supporting teachers—and thus implementing evidence-backed methods. “There's nothing that's going to change student achievement more powerfully than the teacher, but it's very difficult for the teacher to do that job if they don't have support from leadership at the top,” concluded Mortensen.

Effectively Implementing the Science of Reading

Repurposing materials, supporting teachers effectively, and facilitating peer-to-peer learning can all be effective strategies when implementing evidence-based methods and models in the classroom. Each of these practices can ultimately lead to greater student achievement in literacy.

Listen to Mortensen’s All For Literacy episode to gain a deeper understanding of these best practices and how they’ve helped Waterbury schools support student success. Listeners will also learn how to encourage teachers to adopt the use of progress-monitoring data, how to make a dedication to evidence front and center, and what it was like to be a part of the “Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars” documentary.

Tune in today and subscribe to All For Literacy to stay up to date on new episodes.