#United States #Syracuse #Reading League #Science of Reading #Educator Preparation

The Reading League Expands Partnerships for Teacher Preparation

In a strategic move aimed at amplifying the quality of teacher training across the United States, The Reading League—a renowned national nonprofit—has officially launched its Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Partnership initiative. This endeavor seeks to ensure that educator preparation programs align with the extensive research findings from the science of reading, thereby reinforcing the effectiveness of reading instruction in classrooms nationwide.

Understanding that consistent reading instruction is critical to student learning, The Reading League recognizes many states are increasingly mandating that educational institutions provide curricula that reflect evidence-based strategies. The organization is uniquely equipped to assist these programs, with a team of experts in reading science and education who have significant experience with EPPs and change management processes.

Support Tailored to Educator Preparation Programs

The Reading League’s approach is anything but uniform; it tailors strategies to accommodate different EPP cultures and faculty capabilities. When engaged in a partnership, The Reading League prioritizes understanding the unique environment of each EPP, allowing them to co-create meaningful, evidence-based learning objectives and developmental plans.

A critical part of this partnership involves conducting comprehensive needs assessments and reviews of current programs to discover areas for improvement and alignment with best practices in reading instruction. This careful evaluation allows The Reading League to pinpoint gaps and redundancies in course offerings, ensuring that evidence-aligned content around instruction, assessment, and intervention is integrated without compromising the specific context and values of partner programs.

Partnership Pathways

The newly launched initiative offers two distinct pathways for educator preparation programs:
1. Two-Year Partnership: This pathway emphasizes a long-term, in-depth engagement, which includes thorough needs assessments, collaborative knowledge building, and partnerships with schools for practical experience. It is designed to support effective implementation across the board.
2. Accelerated Deep Dive Partnership: This option presents a more condensed timeline, lasting three to five days, focusing on creating a shared vision, refining course sequences, and embedding evidence-based content effectively into the program.

Dr. Maria Murray, the President and CEO of The Reading League, expressed enthusiasm about the growing emphasis on the science of reading at the state policy level, particularly regarding educator preparation programs. She stated, “Our partnership programs empower EPPs as they prepare future teachers to excel at evidence-aligned literacy instruction. We bring deep expertise and respect for each institution’s unique context, ensuring our collaboration is purposeful, informed, and focused on long-term institutional success.”

Commitment to Quality Education

The Reading League's mission centers on fostering a deep understanding of evidence-based teaching methods and supporting the educators who deliver these critical lessons. The organization aims to open new pathways in literacy instruction that help educators meet students where they are, providing all children the opportunity to learn to read effectively. In doing so, they are not only impacting teachers but also the myriad stakeholders that influence education—from school leaders to the communities they serve.

For more detailed information about their programs and initiatives, visit thereadingleague.org. The Reading League continues to advocate for the adoption of scientifically-backed reading instruction methods, as their contributions form the foundation of a brighter, more literate future for all students in the nation.