2026 Charter School Science of Reading Summit Keynote Q&A with Carey Sweet

Describing the science of reading begins with one word: evidence.

Carey Sweet, senior education advisor for Lexia®, explained the importance of evidence in the science of reading. “When I describe the science of reading in one word, evidence, I’m referring to the fact that it is grounded in decades of high-quality, multidisciplinary research that has been rigorously tested and consistently validated,” she said.

In this video, Sweet joins Amber Burks-Cole, Lexia literacy solutions manager. They discuss the science of reading and insights that charter school leaders shared about this evidence-based approach to literacy instruction. 

The video is a deep-dive into key lessons from the Summit, including what the science of reading is—and what it is not. 

The science of reading represents a body of existing and emerging evidence on how reading proficiency develops and how reading struggles emerge and persist. Research shows that literacy development varies across grade levels and is adaptable to students of all skill levels.

The key to successfully providing science of reading-based instruction is to connect research to practice. The video also includes details about the science of implementation, which helps leaders incorporate evidence-based practices effectively, consistently, and at scale.

“Ultimately,” Sweet said, “the science of reading offers us the tools to ensure that every child, not just those who come to school already primed for reading, have the opportunity to become skilled and confident readers. That’s the power of evidence-based practices.”

View the video now to explore the role of evidence in the science of reading and the importance of effective implementation.