Why Advocacy?
Advocating for evidence-based reading instruction is crucial because it ensures that children receive high-quality reading instruction that is proven to be effective. Evidence-based reading instruction is based on research and uses methods that have been shown to work, such as phonics and vocabulary instruction, comprehension strategies, and fluency practice.
When teachers have access to evidence-based instruction and resources, they are better equipped to teach reading to all students, including those with reading difficulties or disabilities.
Examples of how you can advocate for change.
Here are some ways to reach you can advocate for evidence-based reading instruction:
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Educate yourself: The first step to advocating for change is to educate yourself on the issue. Learn about the current reading instruction policies in your state, including the curriculum, assessment methods, and teacher training. This will help you better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identify areas for improvement.
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Connect with other parents: There is strength in numbers, so connecting with other parents who are also concerned about reading instruction in your state can be a powerful way to advocate for change. Join local parent-teacher associations, attend school board meetings, and participate in advocacy groups and social media groups.
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Write letters and make phone calls: Writing letters and making phone calls to policymakers can be an effective way to advocate for change. You can use the template we created here: TEMPLATE LETTER
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Meet with policymakers: Contact your local and state policymakers, including school board members, state legislators, and the governor's office. Request a meeting to discuss your concerns and share information about the importance of evidence-based reading instruction. Be sure to emphasize the impact of reading difficulties on students' long-term success and the importance of early intervention.
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Share your story: Personal stories can be a powerful way to advocate for evidence-based reading instruction. Share your own experiences with reading instruction, or talk to parents and teachers in your community and share their stories with your representative.
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Attend rallies and events: Attending rallies and events can help raise awareness about the importance of evidence-based reading instruction and the need for change in your state. Participating in these events can also help connect you with like-minded individuals and organizations that share your concerns.
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Join a literacy advocacy group: There are many organizations dedicated to promoting literacy and evidence-based reading instruction. Joining one of these groups can provide you with resources, support, and opportunities to advocate for evidence-based instruction on a larger scale. You can find a list of our favorite advocacy groups here: ADVOCACY GROUPS
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Advocacy Toolkit for Organizations
Organizations can play a vital role in advocating for change in literacy instruction, as they have the resources, expertise, and networks to influence policy makers and raise awareness about the importance of evidence-based reading instruction.
They can help by partnering with schools, community groups, and policymakers to promote best practices in literacy instruction, provide professional development opportunities for teachers, and advocate for policy changes that support evidence-based reading instruction.
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Here are some examples of how organizations can help advocate for change in literacy instruction:
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Provide training and resources: Organizations can offer professional development opportunities for teachers and provide them with evidence-based instructional resources, such as lesson plans and reading materials. This can help ensure that teachers have the tools they need to provide high-quality reading instruction.
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Conduct research: Organizations can conduct research on literacy instruction to identify best practices and inform policy makers. This research can also be used to raise awareness about the importance of evidence-based reading instruction.
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Advocate for policy change: Organizations can advocate for policy changes that support evidence-based reading instruction. This might include lobbying for increased funding for literacy programs or pushing for legislation that requires schools to use evidence-based instructional methods.
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Partner with schools and community groups: Organizations can partner with schools and community groups to promote literacy and provide support to students who are struggling with reading. This might include providing tutoring, mentoring, or other types of support to students and families. By working together, organizations can have a greater impact on literacy instruction and help ensure that all children have access to high-quality reading instruction.
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Advocacy Groups
Get to know the people and groups making change.
Literacy and advocacy groups play a crucial role in making change on both state and national levels when it comes to promoting literacy and education. These groups work tirelessly to improve literacy instruction, support teachers and students, and advocate for policies that prioritize education. They work closely with policymakers, educators, and community leaders to ensure that every child has access to high-quality literacy instruction and the resources they need to succeed. By supporting these groups, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners.
Boon Philanthropy is a visionary organization dedicated to making a positive impact on society through strategic philanthropic efforts. With a mission to address pressing social issues and create lasting change, Boon Philanthropy actively supports initiatives that promote education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and social justice. By leveraging their resources and collaborating with partners, Boon Philanthropy seeks innovative solutions, empowers communities, and fosters a brighter future for all. Through their strategic philanthropic endeavors, Boon Philanthropy strives to create a meaningful and lasting legacy that uplifts individuals and communities alike.
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In July 2009, Margie Gillis, Ed.D. founded Literacy How to bring a decade of knowledge-to-practice research to the classroom. Our vision is to close the opportunity gap and raise reading achievement for all students. We teach educators in all grades to meet emerging and struggling readers where they are, building their foundation for a successful future.
Since it was founded, Literacy How has advanced teaching and learning by helping thousands of educators in hundreds of schools and districts to understand the science of reading and use evidence-based practices to succeed.
Children are at the heart of all we do. We believe every child has the right to read.
95 Percent Group started in 2005 with a vision to help schools and districts provide every child with the literacy instruction they deserve.
Today 95 Percent Group is proud to continue our legacy as leaders in putting the science of reading into practice in schools and districts in every state in the country.
At 95 Percent Group, we build on science to empower teachers — supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need to develop strong readers.
Backed by decades of proven literacy expertise, our instructional and professional learning resources give educators the confidence to successfully guide students to literacy success.
The Reading League is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the science of reading and improve literacy outcomes for all learners. Founded in 2015, the organization brings together educators, researchers, and other professionals to share knowledge, best practices, and resources related to reading instruction. The Reading League advocates for evidence-based practices, such as phonics instruction, and supports ongoing professional development for educators. The organization also promotes public awareness and policy change to address the widespread problem of reading difficulties, including dyslexia, and to ensure that all students have access to effective reading instruction.
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Learn more about the IDA on their website:
Decoding Dyslexia is a grassroots movement that began in New Jersey in 2011 and has since spread to all 50 states in the United States, as well as several countries around the world. The movement was founded by parents of children with dyslexia who were frustrated with the lack of awareness and support for dyslexia in their schools and communities. Decoding Dyslexia advocates for early screening and identification of dyslexia, evidence-based reading instruction, and appropriate accommodations and support for students with dyslexia. The movement has been instrumental in raising awareness of dyslexia and advocating for policy changes to better support individuals with dyslexia.
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia, language, and literacy difficulties. Founded in 1949, the IDA provides resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the professionals who work with them. The organization promotes evidence-based practices and advances research to better understand dyslexia and related learning difficulties. IDA also offers certification programs for educators and advocates for policies that promote early identification and intervention for individuals with dyslexia.
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Learn more about the IDA on their website: