The Roadmap to District Literacy Success
A Practical Guide for School Leaders
First Edition
Purchase
eBook
ISBN:
9798348868444
Available from
August 2026
Paperback
ISBN:
9798348840433
Available from
August 2026
Description
Lead schools that drive literacy success for every student.
Strong literacy outcomes in schools and districts do not happen by chance. They are the result of clear leadership, coherent systems, effective instruction, and intentional implementation.
In The Roadmap to District Literacy Success, Jessica Hamman, founder of Glean Education and nationally recognized literacy expert, provides practical guidance for building the systems that support meaningful student literacy improvement. Grounded in the Science of Reading research-base and rooted in Structured Literacy implementation, this book helps leaders build the knowledge and skills they’ll need to create the conditions that promote student literacy success in their organizations.
Through actionable guidance, implementation-focused strategies, and real-world case studies you will learn how to:
- Build coherent, sustainable literacy systems within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework
- Use assessment and data to guide instructional decisions
- Align instruction and intervention with evidence-based Structured Literacy practices
- Support teachers with meaningful professional learning and coaching
- Lead literacy change with clarity, purpose, and consistency
Whether you are leading a single school or an entire district, this guide will help you create systems that turn literacy vision into lasting results.
Contents
The Leader's Roadmap
The Leader's Roadmap
Foreword
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Author
ORIENTATION: An Introduction to This Resource as a Tool on Your Literacy Leadership Journey
- Owning Literacy Leadership
- How to Use This Book
- How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?
- Four Magic Questions to Unlock Literacy Research
- How Do Students Learn to Read?
- Why Do Some Children (and Adults) Have Difficulties Learning to Read?
- How Can We Help Children Learn to Read?
- For Which Children Are Which Teaching Approaches Most Beneficial at Which States of Reading Development?
- What Role Can School Leaders Play?
- Key Terms to Establish a Common Language
- The National Reading Panel
- Evidence-Based vs. Research-Based Practice
- Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Instruction
- Phonics Instruction
- Decoding
- Encoding
- Reading Fluency Instruction
- Vocabulary Instruction
- Comprehension Instruction
- Writing Instruction
- English Learners and Multilingual Learners
- Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties
- Structured Literacy
- What’s in This Book?
CHAPTER 1: Determine Your Starting Point: Where Are We? And Where Do We Need to Be?
- Determine Your Starting Point
- Audit Your School Systems to Get a Clear Vision of Reality
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention Audit
- School Systems Audit
- Assessment Practices Audit
- Instructional Practices Audit
- Intervention Practices Audit
- Establish a Vision and Mission for the Work
- Vision vs. Mission
- Build Alignment With Your Team
- Pit Stop—Prepping for Departure
CHAPTER 2: Create Conducive School Systems: Preparing for District Literacy Success
- A Short History of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- The “Wait to Fail” Approach
- Response to Intervention (RTI)
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Understanding MTSS and RTI Frameworks
- Systems for Optimal Teaching and Learning
- Assessment Systems
- Instructional Systems and Materials
- School Calendaring for MTSS/RTI Implementation
- District Calendaring for MTSS Implementation
- Professional Development and Coaching Systems
CHAPTER 3: Establish Assessment Protocols
- Data-Based Decision-Making and Using Evidence-Based Assessments
- The Development of Literacy Assessment
- Universal Screeners and Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM)
- Diagnostics
- Phonological/Phonemic Awareness Diagnostic
- Phonics Diagnostics
- Build a Healthy Data Culture
- Barriers to a Healthy Data Culture
- Data Talks
CHAPTER 4: Ensure Comprehensive Core Instruction (Tier 1)
- The History of Literacy Instruction
- Structured Literacy
- Sample Structured Literacy Lesson
- High-Quality Core Instructional Materials
- PreK
- Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade: Reading
- Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade: Writing
- Designated English Learner Instruction and Materials
- Supplemental Programs and Materials
- Adoption
- Implementation
- Collaboration and Planning Time
- Professional Learning
- Monitoring and Observation
CHAPTER 5: Ensure Effective Intervention (Tier 2)
- Setting Up Effective Tier 2 Intervention Systems
- Intervention Staff
- Intervention Models
- Scheduling
- Delivering Effective Intervention
- Assessment
- Instruction
- Intensifying Intervention Through Progress Monitoring and Data-Based Decision-Making
CHAPTER 6: Ensure Effective Individualized Instruction (Tier 3)
- Understanding Tier 3: Individualized Instruction, Special Education, and Your Role as a School Leader
- A Short History of Special Education and Its Role in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Understanding Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
- Understanding Eligibility Determination
- The IEP Process for Students With Specific Learning Disability in Reading and/or Writing
- Referral
- Evaluation
- Collaborating With the Team on the IEP
- Goal Creation
- Test Your Knowledge
- Encouraging Staff Awareness of SLD Accommodations
- Chapter 6 Appendix
CHAPTER 7: Implement and Sustain
- Establishing Targeted, Ongoing, and Job-Embedded Professional Development
- Training Leaders
- Training Educators
- Creating Coaching Systems
- Training Coaches
- Literary Knowledge and Instructional Best Practices
- Coaching Skills and Models
- Pit Stop—Creating Optimal Conditions for Change
- Chapter 7 Appendix
CHAPTER 8: Conclusion and Next Steps
CHAPTER 8: Conclusion and Next Steps
References
References
Index
Index
Resources
Companion Website
https://companion.corwin.com/courses/HammanRoadmaptoLiteracyAdditional materials
Description
Lead schools that drive literacy success for every student.
Strong literacy outcomes in schools and districts do not happen by chance. They are the result of clear leadership, coherent systems, effective instruction, and intentional implementation.
In The Roadmap to District Literacy Success, Jessica Hamman, founder of Glean Education and nationally recognized literacy expert, provides practical guidance for building the systems that support meaningful student literacy improvement. Grounded in the Science of Reading research-base and rooted in Structured Literacy implementation, this book helps leaders build the knowledge and skills they’ll need to create the conditions that promote student literacy success in their organizations.
Through actionable guidance, implementation-focused strategies, and real-world case studies you will learn how to:
- Build coherent, sustainable literacy systems within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework
- Use assessment and data to guide instructional decisions
- Align instruction and intervention with evidence-based Structured Literacy practices
- Support teachers with meaningful professional learning and coaching
- Lead literacy change with clarity, purpose, and consistency
Whether you are leading a single school or an entire district, this guide will help you create systems that turn literacy vision into lasting results.
Contents
The Leader's Roadmap
The Leader's Roadmap
Foreword
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Author
ORIENTATION: An Introduction to This Resource as a Tool on Your Literacy Leadership Journey
- Owning Literacy Leadership
- How to Use This Book
- How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?
- Four Magic Questions to Unlock Literacy Research
- How Do Students Learn to Read?
- Why Do Some Children (and Adults) Have Difficulties Learning to Read?
- How Can We Help Children Learn to Read?
- For Which Children Are Which Teaching Approaches Most Beneficial at Which States of Reading Development?
- What Role Can School Leaders Play?
- Key Terms to Establish a Common Language
- The National Reading Panel
- Evidence-Based vs. Research-Based Practice
- Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Instruction
- Phonics Instruction
- Decoding
- Encoding
- Reading Fluency Instruction
- Vocabulary Instruction
- Comprehension Instruction
- Writing Instruction
- English Learners and Multilingual Learners
- Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties
- Structured Literacy
- What’s in This Book?
CHAPTER 1: Determine Your Starting Point: Where Are We? And Where Do We Need to Be?
- Determine Your Starting Point
- Audit Your School Systems to Get a Clear Vision of Reality
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention Audit
- School Systems Audit
- Assessment Practices Audit
- Instructional Practices Audit
- Intervention Practices Audit
- Establish a Vision and Mission for the Work
- Vision vs. Mission
- Build Alignment With Your Team
- Pit Stop—Prepping for Departure
CHAPTER 2: Create Conducive School Systems: Preparing for District Literacy Success
- A Short History of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- The “Wait to Fail” Approach
- Response to Intervention (RTI)
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Understanding MTSS and RTI Frameworks
- Systems for Optimal Teaching and Learning
- Assessment Systems
- Instructional Systems and Materials
- School Calendaring for MTSS/RTI Implementation
- District Calendaring for MTSS Implementation
- Professional Development and Coaching Systems
CHAPTER 3: Establish Assessment Protocols
- Data-Based Decision-Making and Using Evidence-Based Assessments
- The Development of Literacy Assessment
- Universal Screeners and Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM)
- Diagnostics
- Phonological/Phonemic Awareness Diagnostic
- Phonics Diagnostics
- Build a Healthy Data Culture
- Barriers to a Healthy Data Culture
- Data Talks
CHAPTER 4: Ensure Comprehensive Core Instruction (Tier 1)
- The History of Literacy Instruction
- Structured Literacy
- Sample Structured Literacy Lesson
- High-Quality Core Instructional Materials
- PreK
- Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade: Reading
- Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade: Writing
- Designated English Learner Instruction and Materials
- Supplemental Programs and Materials
- Adoption
- Implementation
- Collaboration and Planning Time
- Professional Learning
- Monitoring and Observation
CHAPTER 5: Ensure Effective Intervention (Tier 2)
- Setting Up Effective Tier 2 Intervention Systems
- Intervention Staff
- Intervention Models
- Scheduling
- Delivering Effective Intervention
- Assessment
- Instruction
- Intensifying Intervention Through Progress Monitoring and Data-Based Decision-Making
CHAPTER 6: Ensure Effective Individualized Instruction (Tier 3)
- Understanding Tier 3: Individualized Instruction, Special Education, and Your Role as a School Leader
- A Short History of Special Education and Its Role in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Understanding Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
- Understanding Eligibility Determination
- The IEP Process for Students With Specific Learning Disability in Reading and/or Writing
- Referral
- Evaluation
- Collaborating With the Team on the IEP
- Goal Creation
- Test Your Knowledge
- Encouraging Staff Awareness of SLD Accommodations
- Chapter 6 Appendix
CHAPTER 7: Implement and Sustain
- Establishing Targeted, Ongoing, and Job-Embedded Professional Development
- Training Leaders
- Training Educators
- Creating Coaching Systems
- Training Coaches
- Literary Knowledge and Instructional Best Practices
- Coaching Skills and Models
- Pit Stop—Creating Optimal Conditions for Change
- Chapter 7 Appendix
CHAPTER 8: Conclusion and Next Steps
CHAPTER 8: Conclusion and Next Steps
References
References
Index
Index
Resources
Companion Website
https://companion.corwin.com/courses/HammanRoadmaptoLiteracyAdditional materials
The Roadmap to District Literacy Success
A Practical Guide for School Leaders
August 2026 | 296 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperback | 20/05/2025 | 9798348840433 | $37.95 |
| 180 Day Ebook | 26/04/2026 | 9798348868444 | $23.00 |
| Lifetime | 26/04/2026 | 9798348868444 | $34.00 |
Lead schools that drive literacy success for every student.
Strong literacy outcomes in schools and districts do not happen by chance. They are the result of clear leadership, coherent systems, effective instruction, and intentional implementation.
In The Roadmap to District Literacy Success, Jessica Hamman, founder of Glean Education and nationally recognized literacy expert, provides practical guidance for building the systems that support meaningful student literacy improvement. Grounded in the Science of Reading research-base and rooted in Structured Literacy implementation, this book helps leaders build the knowledge and skills they’ll need to create the conditions that promote student literacy success in their organizations.
Through actionable guidance, implementation-focused strategies, and real-world case studies you will learn how to:
- Build coherent, sustainable literacy systems within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework
- Use assessment and data to guide instructional decisions
- Align instruction and intervention with evidence-based Structured Literacy practices
- Support teachers with meaningful professional learning and coaching
- Lead literacy change with clarity, purpose, and consistency
Whether you are leading a single school or an entire district, this guide will help you create systems that turn literacy vision into lasting results.
Table Of Contents:
- The Leader's Roadmap
- Foreword
- Acknowledgments
- About the Author
- ORIENTATION: An Introduction to This Resource as a Tool on Your Literacy Leadership Journey
- Owning Literacy Leadership
- How to Use This Book
- How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?
- Four Magic Questions to Unlock Literacy Research
- How Do Students Learn to Read?
- Why Do Some Children (and Adults) Have Difficulties Learning to Read?
- How Can We Help Children Learn to Read?
- For Which Children Are Which Teaching Approaches Most Beneficial at Which States of Reading Development?
- What Role Can School Leaders Play?
- Key Terms to Establish a Common Language
- The National Reading Panel
- Evidence-Based vs. Research-Based Practice
- Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Instruction
- Phonics Instruction
- Decoding
- Encoding
- Reading Fluency Instruction
- Vocabulary Instruction
- Comprehension Instruction
- Writing Instruction
- English Learners and Multilingual Learners
- Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties
- Structured Literacy
- What’s in This Book?
- CHAPTER 1: Determine Your Starting Point: Where Are We? And Where Do We Need to Be?
- Determine Your Starting Point
- Audit Your School Systems to Get a Clear Vision of Reality
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports/Response to Intervention Audit
- School Systems Audit
- Assessment Practices Audit
- Instructional Practices Audit
- Intervention Practices Audit
- Establish a Vision and Mission for the Work
- Vision vs. Mission
- Build Alignment With Your Team
- Pit Stop—Prepping for Departure
- CHAPTER 2: Create Conducive School Systems: Preparing for District Literacy Success
- A Short History of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- The “Wait to Fail” Approach
- Response to Intervention (RTI)
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Understanding MTSS and RTI Frameworks
- Systems for Optimal Teaching and Learning
- Assessment Systems
- Instructional Systems and Materials
- School Calendaring for MTSS/RTI Implementation
- District Calendaring for MTSS Implementation
- Professional Development and Coaching Systems
- CHAPTER 3: Establish Assessment Protocols
- Data-Based Decision-Making and Using Evidence-Based Assessments
- The Development of Literacy Assessment
- Universal Screeners and Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM)
- Diagnostics
- Phonological/Phonemic Awareness Diagnostic
- Phonics Diagnostics
- Build a Healthy Data Culture
- Barriers to a Healthy Data Culture
- Data Talks
- CHAPTER 4: Ensure Comprehensive Core Instruction (Tier 1)
- The History of Literacy Instruction
- Structured Literacy
- Sample Structured Literacy Lesson
- High-Quality Core Instructional Materials
- PreK
- Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade: Reading
- Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade: Writing
- Designated English Learner Instruction and Materials
- Supplemental Programs and Materials
- Adoption
- Implementation
- Collaboration and Planning Time
- Professional Learning
- Monitoring and Observation
- CHAPTER 5: Ensure Effective Intervention (Tier 2)
- Setting Up Effective Tier 2 Intervention Systems
- Intervention Staff
- Intervention Models
- Scheduling
- Delivering Effective Intervention
- Assessment
- Instruction
- Intensifying Intervention Through Progress Monitoring and Data-Based Decision-Making
- CHAPTER 6: Ensure Effective Individualized Instruction (Tier 3)
- Understanding Tier 3: Individualized Instruction, Special Education, and Your Role as a School Leader
- A Short History of Special Education and Its Role in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Understanding Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
- Understanding Eligibility Determination
- The IEP Process for Students With Specific Learning Disability in Reading and/or Writing
- Referral
- Evaluation
- Collaborating With the Team on the IEP
- Goal Creation
- Test Your Knowledge
- Encouraging Staff Awareness of SLD Accommodations
- Chapter 6 Appendix
- CHAPTER 7: Implement and Sustain
- Establishing Targeted, Ongoing, and Job-Embedded Professional Development
- Training Leaders
- Training Educators
- Creating Coaching Systems
- Training Coaches
- Literary Knowledge and Instructional Best Practices
- Coaching Skills and Models
- Pit Stop—Creating Optimal Conditions for Change
- Chapter 7 Appendix
- CHAPTER 8: Conclusion and Next Steps
- References
- Index