#United States #Really Great Reading #Alaska #Alaska Reads Act #K-12 Literacy

Really Great Reading Receives Approval in Alaska

In a significant milestone for educational resources in Alaska, Really Great Reading (RGR) has received official recognition from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. The approval, which appears in the June 2025 Vendor Guide, certifies RGR as a provider of high-quality, curriculum-based professional learning focused on the Science of Reading. This endorsement highlights the challenges faced by students in Alaska and underscores the critical importance of evidence-based literacy solutions aimed at improving academic success.

With the Alaska Reads Act and the Alaska Education Challenge making early literacy a top priority, this partnership could not have come at a more crucial time. Research shows that reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a pivotal predictor of future academic success. As a further commitment to improving outcomes, Alaska has allocated $50 million over five years to support comprehensive literacy programs, especially for children who face the most significant barriers such as those living in poverty and students with disabilities.

According to Amy Vanden Boogart, Vice President of Curriculum Products and Services at RGR, “We’re pleased to partner with another state on the shared mission of improving reading proficiency among young learners.” Vanden Boogart added, “Alaska education officials recognize the critical importance of the science of reading and are undertaking efforts to support and train educators in evidence-based strategies.”

Comprehensive Solutions for All Grades

The approval enables school districts throughout Alaska to utilize RGR's extensive suite of K-12 literacy solutions. These include:

• - High-Dosage Tutoring for Grades K-12: This program offers targeted one-on-one or small group instruction designed to boost reading growth for students who need the most support.

• - Foundational Literacy Tools for Pre-K to 5th Grade: Tools such as Launchpad, Countdown, Blast, and HD Word are built on systematic, explicit instruction to foster reading skills in early learners.

• - Diagnostic Decoding Assessments: Already recognized and in use across the state, these assessments aim for early identification of reading difficulties and ongoing progress monitoring for all students.

• - Professional Development and Coaching: RGR provides strong, research-backed training that aims to cultivate internal capacities within schools to implement effective literacy strategies sustainably.

Aligned with Alaska's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), RGR ensures educators can access resources that meet varying levels of student needs: Tier 1 for core instruction, Tier 2 for targeted support, and Tier 3 for intensive interventions. The built-in diagnostics and flexible instructional designs empower educators to make informed, data-driven decisions that can substantially enhance student learning outcomes.

The funding prioritization comes through three essential pillars: building leadership capacity, enhancing foundational skills, and fostering family and community engagement. RGR’s services align with these aims by providing the necessary tools and support structures to facilitate effective literacy instruction.

Commitment to Literacy

RGR demonstrates a steadfast commitment to collaborating with education systems to transform literacy outcomes positively. By integrating evidence-based practices, RGR not only meets Alaskan educational standards but also contributes towards a broader movement in enhancing student literacy across the nation.

This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for Alaska as it advances forward in its mission to improve reading outcomes and create an equitable learning environment for all students. With RGR's comprehensive and proven literacy solutions now accessible in Alaska, the state continues to take significant steps towards achieving academic success for young learners.

About Really Great Reading

Established nearly two decades ago, Really Great Reading has been at the forefront of improving K-12 literacy. Through the delivery of structured materials, diagnostic assessments, high-dosage interventions, and focused professional development, RGR ensures that its programs are rooted in the Science of Reading and designed to lead to successful educational outcomes across diverse classroom settings.