The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results for fourth and eighth graders showed reading scores down nationally in both grades. The gap between the highest and lowest performers is the widest it’s ever been, which has intensified the dialogue about how to close it.

That gap doesn’t narrow as students progress through high school, either, as 2024 12th grade NAEP results show. Increased efforts to implement the science of reading have begun to reshape the way policymakers, educators, and administrators approach supporting literacy for all students.

Much of the recent discourse around the science of reading has focused on early readers and the need for more explicit phonics instruction, so that students can read words fluently. Phonological awareness and decoding are crucial elements of Scarborough’s widely cited Reading Rope.

And while yes, word recognition skills are foundational to a student’s literacy, they’re only one part of the picture—not the whole solution.

At Newsela, we believe literacy growth in secondary readers starts with instruction that is accessible, content-rich, and explicit.

What's in this guide?

You’ll learn how to build a literacy program that supports skilled reading growth for all secondary students. Plus, you’ll find exclusive step-by-step sample lessons for literacy instruction from education expert and New York Times bestselling author, Jennifer Serravallo.

We’ve structured this guide around a set of key questions secondary educators face when building and implementing a program aimed at literacy growth:

• How do I ensure my literacy program is grounded in research?
  
  • What is the science of reading?
  • How does the science of reading show up in policy?
  • Why is it so hard to implement in classrooms?
• How can I scaffold instruction to ensure success for all students?
  
  • Lay the foundation for success early, then build
  • To level or not to level?
  • Provide opportunities for readers to stretch their learning with scaffolds
  • Support older readers who still need to build foundational skills
• How should I structure the reading experience so students build knowledge while also practicing literacy skills?
  
  • Build background knowledge with conceptually coherent texts
  • Deepen content-rich instruction with writing practice
• How do I ensure students build the comprehension they need?
  
• What does a science-informed reading instruction lesson look like in practice?What does a science-informed reading instruction lesson look like in practice?
  
  • Implementing the science of reading, writing, and learning with Newsela ELA
  • Nine Elements of Engaging, Explicit Instruction
  • Teach Strategies and Build Knowledge—Together
  • Sample lessons from literacy expert Jennifer Serravallo