Growing Instructional Capacity Through the Science of Reading: A Guide for School Leaders

As the science of reading continues to shape literacy policy and practice, school leaders are being asked to do more than adopt new programs or respond to mandates. They are being asked to lead instructional change, building systems that develop teacher expertise, strengthen practice, and sustain improvement over time.

This white paper examines how growing instructional capacity has emerged as one of the most leveraged leadership actions for improving literacy outcomes. Drawing on decades of reading research and implementation evidence, it examines what the science of reading demands of schools and the leadership conditions required to support it. Rather than focusing on isolated initiatives or short-term professional development, the paper emphasizes the importance of coherence across grade levels, professional learning, and instructional expectations.

School and district leaders will gain clarity on why effective literacy instruction depends on specific knowledge and skills, not intuition or materials alone, and why building that expertise requires sustained, structured professional learning supported by aligned systems. The paper also addresses the persistent gap between research and typical teacher preparation, highlighting the leadership role in closing that gap through intentional design.

Throughout, the focus remains practical and strategic. Leaders will find guidance on setting instructional priorities, supporting implementation, and sustaining capacity despite staff turnover and competing demands. Structured professional learning pathways, such as Lexia® LETRS® and Lexia® Aspire® Professional Learning, are discussed as examples of research-aligned approaches that can support systemwide growth when embedded thoughtfully.

Designed specifically for principals and instructional leaders, this resource positions leadership, not quick fixes, as the key to lasting literacy improvement.

Download the white paper to explore how Lexia® supports research-aligned leadership and sustainable instructional systems.