[Testimonial] You Don’t Have to Wait: Teacher Training and Student Success in Virginia

In this video, Carrie Lisma, education specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, reflects on her district’s journey with Lexia® and its impact on scalable, science of reading-aligned literacy transformation. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience, Lisma explains how Lexia® Core5® Reading and Lexia® PowerUp Literacy® provide targeted, structured support for students—allowing learning to continue while educators deepen their expertise through professional development. She emphasizes that no curriculum alone can fix literacy gaps; it's knowledgeable, well-supported teachers who drive change.

Lisma describes how integrating Lexia’s student-facing programs with Lexia® LETRS® Professional Learning creates a powerful dual approach: As teachers build knowledge in Structured Literacy, students receive immediate, differentiated instruction. This tandem progress creates momentum, especially in large districts navigating uneven adoption rates. Teachers often become strong advocates after witnessing student growth firsthand, transforming initial skepticism into deep engagement.

She also highlights how Lexia’s evolution—from static CD-ROMs to adaptive, teacher-supported technology—now helps educators save time, target instruction, and feel more effective in meeting diverse needs. Whether in elementary or secondary classrooms, Lexia solutions provide flexible tools that support instructional equity and help districts move forward, even when not all pieces are in place.

Through it all, Lexia helps district leaders create an ecosystem where teachers, students, and leaders grow together.