Measuring What Works: A Strategic Literacy Investment Delivers ROI

The stakes are high: NAEP scores continue to decline nationwide, yet a few states with multiyear science-of-reading investments show resilience and growth. 

District leaders know literacy is non-negotiable, but not every investment delivers the measurable impact they’re looking for. While most programs claim to be “science of reading–aligned,” fewer than 30% meet ESSA evidence standards, and even fewer demonstrate meaningful effect sizes in real classrooms.

This guide helps you cut through the noise. Learn how to evaluate literacy solutions using rigorous research, effect sizes, and implementation feasibility, so you can make strategic decisions that drive system-wide gains.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A clear framework for assessing program efficacy
• ESSA tiers explained, and what they mean for funding eligibility
• Effect size benchmarks to identify real-world impact
• Systems approach insights for sustainable literacy success

Plus: Explore real-world success stories, practical buying checklists, and implementation strategies that help districts scale without disrupting core instruction. Make informed choices today to secure stronger literacy outcomes tomorrow.

Districts don’t have the luxury of trial-and-error. Every dollar matters, and every decision impacts student outcomes. Download the full guide to learn how to choose programs with proven efficacy, align them to a coherent system, and budget for professional learning that ensures fidelity. Your next literacy investment should deliver results you can prove.