#United States #Washington #Really Great Reading #Literacy Solutions #Karl Rectanus

Karl Rectanus Takes Charge: A New Era for Really Great Reading

On January 15, 2026, Really Great Reading (RGR), a prominent name in evidence-based literacy solutions grounded in the Science of Reading, confirmed the appointment of Karl Rectanus as its new CEO. This strategic move comes at a crucial time for education in the United States, as educational institutions are under mounting pressure to demonstrate tangible improvements in student literacy results amidst a worrying decline in national reading scores.

The Need for Change

Recent reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) have unveiled alarming trends in literacy, revealing significant gaps in foundational reading skills across various grade levels. Despite the surge in adoption of science-aligned educational programs, district leaders are increasingly seeking clear evidence of their effectiveness, particularly for students who have historically been underserved and those in higher grades. RGR is poised to guide literacy initiatives into a new phase defined by accountability and measurable progress rather than mere compliance with educational standards.

Expertise in Educational Outcomes

Karl Rectanus, who previously served as the founder and CEO of LearnPlatform, comes to RGR with a wealth of experience at the intersection of education and data-driven outcomes measurement. During his tenure, he pioneered tools that helped districts assess the impact of their educational investments effectively. Under Rectanus’s leadership, RGR intends to sharpen its focus on converting structured literacy research into tangible gains for all students, enhancing implementation, and assembling the most skilled literacy team to provide comprehensive support to districts nationwide.

"Literacy is at an inflection point," remarked Rectanus. "Educators are not in need of more programs or promises; they require results. RGR has a strong foundation in structured literacy, and I intend to empower educators to promote joyful learning experiences that translate into observable outcomes for districts to support and uphold."

Evidenced-Based Impact

As RGR embarks on this significant transition, a growing body of independent evidence reinforces its commitment to educational excellence. Recent analyses show that instruction aligned with RGR’s methodology yields statistically significant improvements in fundamental reading skills. These gains are not only consistent over time, but they also encompass a broad spectrum of student populations, including those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. RGR’s instructional resources align with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) evidence standards and receive commendable ratings from organizations like EdReports and The Reading League, underscoring their dedication to research-backed educational practices.

"What differentiates this moment from others is our accountability expectations," emphasized Rectanus. "Success should no longer be measured solely by the number of programs adopted but by the enhancement of students’ reading abilities as a result of our collective decisions. This is the standard we are establishing for ourselves as we move forward."

A Vision for the Future

Scott DeSimone, RGR’s founder and current board member, expressed confidence in the synergy between Rectanus’s leadership style and the organization’s mission. "Karl has cultivated his career around aiding education leaders in grasping what works and why," DeSimone stated. "With literacy challenges becoming ever more pressing, his outcome-oriented mindset and determination for tangible execution position him as the right person to lead RGR and the educational sector as a whole into the future."

As CEO, Rectanus’s agenda will focus on enhancing RGR’s leadership framework and capabilities to expedite the delivery of consistent, evidence-based outcomes in classrooms nationwide. Currently active in thousands of schools, RGR aims to fortify its relationships with districts and states through the integration of innovative, evidence-supported educational content and insights tailored to meet the needs of each child learning to read.

"This mission transcends positioning; it revolves around addressing one of America’s paramount challenges using evidence, accountability, and a focused organizational approach capable of fulfilling these responsibilities," Rectanus concluded.

About Really Great Reading (RGR)

Established over 20 years ago, RGR stands as a leading provider of evidence-based literacy solutions rooted in the Science of Reading. The organization partners with educators and school districts to create structured instruction methodologies, facilitate professional training, and provide coaching that translates educational research into measurable improvements in reading outcomes for students across all grade levels. With a commitment reflected in its ESSA-aligned evidence and independent research verifying impactful results, RGR strives to transform all students into confident and proficient readers. To learn more, visit www.reallygreatreading.com.