LETRS Helps California District Improve Student Outcomes

Five years ago, Campbell Union School District in California set a bold goal: to have every child reading by third grade. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Shelly Viramontez, the district didn’t just adopt a new initiative; they reimagined what literacy success could look like.

The journey began with listening. Teachers shared that they didn’t feel fully equipped to teach reading effectively. That insight led the district to Lexia® LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), a professional learning program grounded in the science of reading. Today, over 80% of Campbell’s K–1 educators have completed LETRS training—and the results speak for themselves.

Dr. Viramontez emphasizes the importance of doing things with people, not to them. By fostering teacher leadership, building literacy walks, and creating space for peer observation, the district cultivated a culture of trust, growth, and instructional excellence.

Teachers who once hesitated became champions of change. As student outcomes improved, so did educator confidence. The district’s success is a testament to what’s possible when professional learning is strategic, sustained, and deeply embedded in practice.

Watch this quick video to hear more from Dr. Viramontez about Campbell Union School District’s literacy initiatives and how LETRS helped the district find success.