Administrators & Administrator Preparation Programs

Supporting Literacy Success Through Leadership

School and district leaders play a critical role in student literacy outcomes. Among their many responsibilities, one of the most important is ensuring that students have access to evidence-aligned reading instruction and that educators receive the support needed to implement it successfully.

Building and sustaining effective literacy systems requires more than selecting the right instructional materials. Administrators influence staffing decisions, professional learning opportunities, resource allocation, and the conditions that enable high-quality instruction to thrive. These decisions are most effective when grounded in a strong understanding of the science of reading.

As educators deepen their knowledge of evidence-aligned instruction, they often say, “When we know better, we do better.” To do better, educators need leaders who are committed to creating the systems, support structures, and culture necessary for lasting change. By investing in their own professional knowledge, administrators become stronger decision-makers and better equipped to drive improved reading outcomes for all students.

Transforming to Alignment With the Science of Reading

Sustainable transformation to evidence-aligned instruction is unlikely to occur simply by purchasing a science-aligned curriculum. For improved, sustainable outcomes, action plans that include a long-term commitment to staff support and material alignment are required.

When beginning an effort to transform instructional practices, action plans must address change on a systems level, one step at a time. Even the best plans will face challenges such as pushback, turnover, and course corrections, but implementing them with a comprehensive approach that covers each of the categories that follow will go a long way toward making the transformation sustainable.