12/16/2024

Washington: Your Science of Reading Journey

The science of reading is transforming how educators approach literacy, offering evidence-based practices that make learning equitable and effective for students of all abilities. With unproven literacy methods impacting reading proficiency for decades, district leaders now face an opportunity to adopt science of reading strategies to close learning gaps, accelerate outcomes, and provide individualized support for every student.

In Washington, legislators have embraced the science of reading by creating a menu of best practices for English Language Arts (ELA) that includes evidence-aligned instructional materials, tiered interventions, and professional learning. This framework supports school and district leaders in evaluating their current practices and guiding decisions about evidence-based materials, assessments, and professional learning opportunities.

Where is your district on its science of reading journey? Whether you are just beginning to develop awareness or refining systemic practices, the journey to full implementation is a multistep process. Starting with foundational knowledge, district leaders and educators progress through deepening understanding, implementing professional development, and aligning instructional materials. Eventually, they can achieve systemic impact, using data-driven decision-making, science of reading-aligned assessments, and tiered interventions to ensure continuous improvement.

Explore this comprehensive guide to assess your district’s progress and discover the tools needed to move forward. From foundational resources to advanced professional learning, this road map ensures every student benefits from proven literacy instruction.