Developing a Strong Base for Literacy Success: A Strategic Guide for District Leaders Advancing the Science of Reading

For district leaders across the Northwest, science of reading-based instruction can build literacy skills that are crucial to their students’ academic success. But the literacy landscape these administrators are navigating presents competing priorities that can make implementing evidence-based practices a challenge.

This guide details participant insights from the 2026 Lexia® Northwest Science of Reading Regional Leadership Summit. The ideas participants shared can help leaders overcome obstacles to successfully implement science of reading-based practices.

Administrators in the summit shared what they’re de-implementing, including low-impact instructional routines and non-evidence-based supplemental programs. Participants also described what they expect to gain, including greater systemwide literacy alignment and stronger professional learning opportunities.

The guide explores these insights and provides tips for:

• Emphasizing literacy practices that achieve the greatest impact while eliminating practices that no longer serve district goals

• Enacting the State Implementation and Scaling-up of Evidence-Based Practices (SISEP) framework to align practice, process, and environment

• Accessing the Literacy Implementation Blueprint to assess district readiness for program implementation

• Taking action now to accelerate literacy success

• Partnering with Lexia to achieve long-term literacy results

Lexia works with districts in the Northwest to advance science of reading concepts from vision to practice. These partnerships help create equitable learning opportunities through the effective implementation of science of reading-based programs that achieve long-term results.

Download the guide now to explore best practices and guidance for implementing literacy programs that have a lasting impact on the region’s students.