Managing the change that matters most: Implementing the Science of Reading with integrity
Reading requires deliberate, systematic attention—and so does shifting to the Science of Reading in your school or district. It requires not only the correct curriculum, but also all-new mindsets, metrics, and more. Reflecting years of experience supporting real educators, our resources will walk you through the process of change management in your community—and show you why the shift is worth it.
How data drives Science of Reading change management
Making the shift requires meticulous planning, open communication, and most importantly, data. Learn how to harness data to drive your implementation forward.
Step 1: Prepare your team
Big change doesn’t happen without buy-in. We’ll help you take the crucial first step of getting your team on board.
Build a Science of Reading digital bookbag
Getting up to speed with the Science of Reading takes some homework. We’ve pulled some key resources into one place for you and your team.
Subscribe to Science of Reading: The Podcast
Tune in to our chart-topping Science of Reading podcast—which recently celebrated four million downloads—to keep up with the latest insights from experts and practitioners. Subscribe to listen to the latest episodes exploring relatable, real-life challenges faced by literacy educators—from managing small groups to delivering trauma-informed instruction—and visit the archives to binge Seasons 1 through 7!
Read The Knowledge Gap and Science of Reading: The Defining Guide
You’ll want to curl up with The Knowledge Gap, Natalie Wexler’s essential work making the case for the power of knowledge to fuel literacy. You can also get all the basics in Science of Reading: The Defining Guide by our friends at the Reading League.
Professional development to support your shift to the Science of Reading
Ignite literacy transformation with Amplify’s Science of Reading: The Learning Lab—an inspiring three-course series.
- Dive into a comprehensive overview with course one, Foundations to the Science of Reading.
- Examine assessments and their roles in course two, Advanced Topics in the Science of Reading: Assessment and Reading Difficulties.
- Apply effective literacy instruction to your classroom in course three, Applied Structured Literacy.
Crafted to the standards of the International Dyslexia Association, this self-paced online series provides unparalleled, research-backed instruction. Explore enriching activities, curated resources, and learn from Susan Lambert, chief academic officer and host of Science of Reading: The Podcast.
The best investment you can make is in knowledge, and the returns are priceless.
Learn more about the online courses or request a quote!
Tap into individual online course seats.
Step 2: Adopt the right program
Making the Science of Reading a reality in your school means choosing the right evidence-based curriculum.
Change management
Our Change Management Playbook is your trusted companion in transforming schools with proven strategies. Crafted alongside educators who have successfully pioneered change, this comprehensive guide lays out actionable steps and critical questions for each phase of your implementation journey.
Evaluate curricula and look out for red flags
A core literacy curriculum needs to be aligned with evidence-based practices every step of the way. This curriculum evaluation guide from the Reading League will walk you through the evaluation you need to conduct to ensure that you’re investing in only the best instruction for your students and teachers, and to know that the curriculum you’re selecting is true to the research.
Make the five most critical instructional shifts
Big change is best done gradually. That’s why we’ve identified five key shifts in reading instruction that will set you on the path to transforming your classroom with the Science of Reading.
Watch our Science of Reading webinars
In our Literacy Is Opportunity webinar series, you’ll learn why it’s crucial to get reading instruction right for all students—and how to make the shifts needed in your school.
“I really think that educators should make the shift to the Science of Reading because it’s data-driven and purposeful, and it really encourages personalized learning.”
Step 3: Build an evidence-based literacy ecosystem that supports all students
Science-based reading instruction can actually reduce the need for intervention and support. These principles and practices show how evidence and data build a culture of literacy for everyone.
Establish a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) grounded in the Science of Reading
A complete Science of Reading system is one that aligns with a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Because an MTSS includes all students—and stakeholders—it prevents struggles before they happen, setting everyone up for literacy success.
Explore Amplify’s Science of Reading early literacy suite
Built on more than 20 years of Science of Reading experience, our early literacy suite ensures that research-based and data-driven literacy practices are at the heart of everything you do. The suite includes every component of instruction, from assessment and personalized learning to intervention and professional development.
Bring the Science of Reading to middle school and biliteracy instruction
The Science of Reading can have an impact on learning outside of traditional K–5 literacy instruction, too—it can also address the specific needs of middle schoolers and multilingual students.
View our resources:
“This goes out to the interventionists, coaches, and administrators … support your staff. Be a part of and/or lead staff trainings, provide push-in support, model and co-teach so that the staff will see that this is not ‘just another initiative.’ Remember, this is the start of a long, powerful journey. Take small steps, do them well, then use data to move on to the next small step.”
Step 4: Sustain change for long-term results
Educational change doesn’t happen overnight, or by itself. We’ve helped thousands of Science of Reading champions make the shift, and they’re eager to share the secrets of their long-term success with fellow educators like you.
