Laying the Groundwork for Literacy Success: A School Leader’s Guide to the Science of Reading

For school administrators across the Central states, science of reading-based instruction is the key that can unlock their students’ skill development and academic success. By effectively implementing evidence-based instructional practices, schools can bridge the gap between research and teaching to maximize literacy gains.

This guide, adapted from a keynote presentation from the 2026 Lexia® Science of Reading Regional Leadership Summits, explores the concepts of implementation science. It offers tips to school leaders for achieving sustainable literacy gains in their classrooms.

By following these tips, administrators can:

• Lead with clarity

• Mobilize systems

• Sustain what works

• Champion opportunity

The summary offers guidance and next steps for focusing on literacy practices that achieve the greatest impact, as well as tips for eliminating practices that no longer serve the school’s goals. This emphasis on evidence-based practices helps administrators reinforce their schools’ priorities.

Lexia works with schools in the Central states to advance science of reading concepts from vision to long-term practice. These partnerships help create equitable learning opportunities through the effective implementation of the science of reading.

The guide describes how Lexia supports lasting literacy success through:

• Clear implementation pathways

• Professional learning and coaching

• Leadership guidance

• Data insights

Download the summary to:

• Discover the concepts of implementation science

• Examine approaches that make literacy initiatives stick

• Explore Lexia’s approach to supporting science of reading implementation