Navigating The Shift to Science of Reading

What happens when a district empowers its teachers to lead change? In this episode, three educators from Federal Way Public Schools in Washington share how a grassroots effort turned into a systemwide literacy transformation across one of the state’s most diverse districts. A “middle-out” professional development approach that started with teachers and coaches instead of administrators Teacher-led transformation sparked by a kindergarten and first grade teacher exploring the science of reading LETRS training implementation with stipends, accountability emails, and protected learning time A comprehensive five-year literacy plan addressing curriculum, assessment, schedules, and support structures Systems change, not just PD, ensuring a holistic approach to districtwide literacy improvement Voluntary teacher engagement, with hundreds of teachers requesting LETRS by Year 4 Support structures that work, based on the idea that accountability + collaboration = more impactful training Listen now to learn how this team is redefining literacy success—and how your district can, too. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more stories of innovation, leadership, and impact in education.