Supporting Striving Readers: Building Strong Foundations in the Early Grades

Early literacy achievement is critical, but too many students are not reaching essential reading milestones. 

This executive digest draws on insights from Lexia’s 2025 Science of Reading Leadership Summits, where district leaders explored effective strategies to support striving readers and build strong literacy foundations in the early grades.

The resource outlines three key priorities for district leadership: implementing proven, evidence-based instruction, using adaptive data practices to personalize support, and building collaborative systems that align stakeholders around shared goals. Emphasizing the science of reading, the digest underscores how high-quality materials and professional learning empower teachers with both the tools and understanding needed to deliver impactful instruction.

District leaders are seeing results by investing in structured support systems that enable flexible grouping, dedicated literacy time, and responsive intervention. Leaders are also strengthening partnerships with caregivers and communities to ensure consistent communication and progress monitoring.

For administrators committed to improving reading outcomes, this digest offers a clear, actionable framework for success. It also shares how programs like Lexia® Core5® Reading are helping educators translate research into practice—providing structured, data-informed instruction that meets the diverse needs of young readers.

Lexia® continues to support district efforts to create strong literacy foundations and close learning gaps—helping every student move forward with confidence.