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Imagine a Hawaii where every child confidentlyunlocks the power of the written word, openingdoors to endless possibilities. Literacy is indeedthe key, and in our beautiful state, with its richcultural tapestry and diverse student population,ensuring every keiki has access to strong literacyskills is paramount. Today, we'll explore howStructured Literacy, a powerful andcomprehensive approach to reading and writinginstruction, is empowering both teachers andstudents across the Aloha State.Unlocking Literacy in Hawaii:How Structured Literacy EmpowersTeachers and StudentsSAY WHAT?The Power of Structured LiteracyPicture a clear, step-by-step path leading to literacy success. That's Structured Literacy. It’s anexplicit and systematic way of teaching the foundational skills necessary for reading and writingproficiency. This approach encompasses:Phonological Awareness: Understanding the sounds of language, a crucial first step.Phonics: Connecting letters and the sounds they represent.Morphology: Recognizing meaningful parts of words, like prefixes and suffixes.Vocabulary: Building a rich understanding of words, expanding comprehension.Syntax: Understanding sentence structure, crucial for fluent reading and writing.Semantics: Making sense of the meaning within text.Comprehension: Developing the ability to truly understand and interpret what isread, moving beyond mere decoding to active engagement and inference.Writing: Applying the understanding of sounds, letters, word parts, and sentencestructure to effectively express thoughts and ideas in written form. StructuredLiteracy underscores the vital connection between reading and writing, strengtheningskills in both domains.
Empowering Educators, Cultivating SuccessWhen teachers are equipped with a deep understanding and the skills to implement StructuredLiteracy, they become empowered educators, capable of making a profound difference. Thisexpertise allows them to:Understand the intricate science behind reading and writing development.Implement explicit and systematic instruction, building skills logically.Differentiate instruction effectively to meet the diverse needs of every learner.Monitor student progress closely and provide targeted support precisely when it'sneeded.SO WHAT?Structured Literacy isn't just for some students; it's for all students. Its multi-sensory natureengages diverse learning styles, proving particularly effective for those who may face readingchallenges, including dyslexia. Robust research consistently underscores its effectiveness inpreventing and addressing reading difficulties (Lyon et al., 2003; National Reading Panel, 2000).By providing a clear and systematic roadmap to literacy, Structured Literacy reduces guessworkand cultivates confidence in young readers and writers.The positive impact of Structured Literacy isn't just a theory;we see its transformative power in action across the nation.For instance, the "North Lawndale Reads" initiativedemonstrates the remarkable gains achieved when acomprehensive approach integrating writing into literacyinstruction is prioritized. By providing educators withtargeted professional learning, coaching, and valuableresources focused on authentic writing within a strongfoundational framework, the initiative witnessed significantgrowth in third-grade writing proficiency. for futureacademic achievements.Remarkably, in just one year, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards inWriting Expression surged from a mere 3% to an impressive 17% – a substantial 14-pointincrease representing a significant number of newly proficient young writers. This compellingexample underscores how explicit and consistent support in writing, a cornerstone of StructuredLiteracy, can yield remarkable progress and establish a robust foundation
0 10 20 30 40 50 60202420232022NOW WHAT?Furthermore, in Illinois, Creve Coeur School District 76achieved "Commendable" designation through theimplementation of key strategies firmly aligned withStructured Literacy principles. These included thedevelopment of a shared Literacy Framework ensuring acommon understanding of effective instruction and acurriculum deeply rooted in the Science of Reading. Thedistrict also established clear "Look Fors" to promoteconsistent, research-backed teaching practices andimplemented a cohesive Master Schedule that dedicatedsufficient time for focused literacy instruction across all gradelevels. Through consistent Walkthroughs, collaborativeTeacher Peer Observation, and targeted coaching, theyeffectively strengthened instructional practices in line with theprinciples of Structured Literacy.Partner With Us to Unlock Literacy in HawaiiWe firmly believe that every student in Hawaii deserves theopportunity to become a proficient reader and writer, fullyequipped to navigate the complexities of the modern worldand contribute meaningfully to our island communities. Toachieve these vital and long-lasting outcomes, we invite you topartner with Catalyst for Educational Change. Our logic modelprovides a strategic and evidence-based framework forenhancing educator growth through the effectiveimplementation of Structured Literacy, ultimately leading toincreased and sustainable student achievement across theAloha State. Contact us today to explore how our collaborativeapproach can support your district's literacy initiatives andcreate a lasting legacy of literacy for all our students.References:Lyon, G. R., Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, B. A. (2003). A definition of dyslexia. Annals of Dyslexia, 53(1), 1-14.National Reading Panel. (2000). Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction:Reports of the subgroups. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, NationalInstitute of Child Health and Human Development. 1 2ELA GROWTH %TILEISBE Designation: Moving from “Comprehensive” to "Commendable" status. ELA Proficiency: 28.5 point gain in one year ELA Growth: 27.6 point gain in one year
When stakeholders work together around shared agreements…the unthinkable is possible. CEC’sfocus on the System Agreements in school reform efforts aim to realign the adult culture anddynamics. We know when systems cultivate healthy, values-based relationships within each schooland classroom measurable outcomes are more likely. People matter. And people working togetherreally matters in schools. Developing a strong adult culture as[1] a foundation of a change agendais what makes CEC stand apart. CEC uses System Alignment to create collective efficacy on the agreed upon improvement aims of aschool or district. Our tools and processes are designed to empower those closest to the issues toown the work. Our change management approach intentionally paces improvement throughattainable short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. It is the “secret sauce” of schoolimprovement.We invite you to explore the role our Logic Model might play in your system’s large-scaleimprovement. Our website includes FREE resources that might be helpful in opening up dialoguewith key stakeholders. Let’s work together to turn ideas into action, so we can all see what’s possiblefor our schools.Blog Authored by Tracy Frederick, Strategic Advisor.© Catalyst for Educational Change, 2025. All rights reserved.
EVIDENCE-BASEDSCIENCE OF READINGTRAINING: EMPOWERING EDUCATORSFOR LITERACY SUCCESSUSE LITERACY ASSESSMENTS(SCREENING, DIAGNOSTIC, PROGRESSMONITORING) TO GUIDE MTSSINSTRUCTION.DELIVER EXPLICIT, SYSTEMATICINSTRUCTION IN ALL LITERACYCOMPONENTS (E.G., PHONICS,FLUENCY, WRITING).COLLABORATE WITH PEERS ANDENGAGE IN COACHING TO STRENGTHENPRACTICES.LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TOSUPPORT AND ENHANCELITERACY TEACHING.APPLY THE READING/WRITINGCONNECTION (E.G., SEDITA’S WRITINGROPE) AND USE DATA TO INFORM ANDCOMMUNICATE INSTRUCTION.Program GoalsUpon completion of this professional development program, educators will be able to:This comprehensive professional development equips educators withevidence-based literacy instruction rooted in the Science of Readingand Structured Literacy. Through a blend of live and self-pacedlearning, practical application, collaboration, and coaching, participantsgain the knowledge and skills to teach reading effectively, usediagnostic assessments, and differentiate for diverse learners—allgrounded in the latest research on how the brain learns to read.EXPLAIN CORE PRINCIPLES OF THESCIENCE OF READING ANDSTRUCTURED LITERACY.UNDERSTAND KEY READING MODELS:SIMPLE VIEW, SCARBOROUGH’S ROPE,AND FOUR-PART PROCESSOR.DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION ANDSCAFFOLD FOR DIVERSE LEARNERS,INCLUDING THOSE WITH READINGCHALLENGES.
Module 1: Foundations of Structured Literacy(Weeks 1-2):Gain a foundational understanding of the Science of Reading,including key models (Simple View, Reading Rope, Four-PartProcessor), brain-based research, and the principles ofStructured Literacy.Learn to deliver explicit, research-based instruction inphonemic awareness, phonics, spelling-sound relationships,syllabication, and morphemic analysis to support decodingand vocabulary development.Module 2: Phonics & Word Study(Weeks 3–4)Module 3: Fluency and Vocabulary(Weeks 5-6):Develop effective strategies for building readingfluency, teaching vocabulary explicitly, and instructinghigh-frequency words using evidence-based methods.Teach metacognitive strategies for text comprehension,connect foundational literacy skills to writing, andexplore the relationship between reading and writingusing Sedita's Writing Rope.www.cecweb.orgModule 4: Comprehension and Writing(Weeks 7-8):Utilize screening and diagnostic assessments to identifyliteracy gaps, drive data-informed instruction, andimplement differentiation strategies for diverse learners.Module 5: Assessment and Differentiation(Weeks 9-10):Integrate evidence-based Structured Literacy practicesinto daily instruction, analyze real-world case studies,and create action plans for implementation.Module 6: Implementation and Practice(Weeks 11-12):Flexible Learning OptionsOur Structured Literacy Training combinessynchronous workshops, asynchronous modules, andapplication-based exercises to ensure personalizedlearning and practical application in the classroom.Collaborative and Coaching Support Participants engage in peer collaboration, onlinediscussions, and optional one-on-one coaching toenhance understanding and address specificchallenges in literacy instruction.Tailored Delivery and MethodologyWe offer in-person, virtual, and blended deliveryoptions, utilizing a systematic approach with pre-assessments, explicit instruction, guided practice, andongoing assessments to maximize learningoutcomes.
A B O U T C E COur work is change management.Our mission is to be the catalyst forcollective solutions and innovation inmore educational environments.All underlying components of support for complex areas andschools are rooted in the unique values culture of Hawaiʻi with anemphasis on place-based learning and a sense of belonging. Our consultants thoughtfully weave planning and preparations for an inclusive and collective implementation and shared leadership.Catalyst for Educational Change (CEC) isan approved vendor of HawaiiDepartment of Education to partner withHawaiʻi schools and complex offices.
LEARNING COLLABORATIVESINSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP LEARNING LABS (iL3)The Instructional Leadership Learning Labs (iL3) are designed to network multiplecomplex area leaders and is tied to the discipline of improvement science in acollaborative community. With 16 days of customized support across the 12 months, theiL3 approach accomplishes this by empowering these leaders to effectively collaborate,learn from one another, and build their toolbox in an effort to support their school sites.Addressed by iL3Focus on a common improvement goal based on data.Understand the root causes and contributing factors of the problem, and develop an improvement strategy based on effective practices.Implement and refine improvement strategy.Assess impact and key learnings and identify next steps.Learning Collaboratives are designed to network multiple schools in cycles ofimprovement related to common themes and tied to the discipline of improvementscience. The Learning Collaboratives will also focus on a common problem of practicebut will approach the improvement through a 12-month network structure. Participantsfrom various district schools and offices will work collaboratively on a shared area ofimprovement to accelerate change at the site-level. This is accomplished through onsiteand virtual sessions, coaching, consultation, and check-ins.This benefits networks by providing schools with implementation tools and guidance designed for sustainability and capacity building; offering opportunities to learn from other schools on the same journey; providing access to research-based improvement strategies based on the HIDOE’s same Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle; and allowing for shared costs and resources. The five Learning Collaboratives offered to Hawaiʻi schools are:1 . Literacy 2 . Mathematics 3 . Schoolwide SEL 4 . School Climate 5 . College, Career, and Life ReadinessCommon Core/NGSS Content Area Knowledge and InstructionStandards-Based Teaching and LearningImplementation of Best Practices in InstructionApplication of Formative Assessment Strategies in the Classroom to Improve Instruction and Student LearningCOM MONTEA CHI N G& L EAR N ING T H E M E SFOURPRINCIPLES of each Learning CollaborativeWe are committed to supporting Hawaii district schools and offices so we cantogether achieve student success, staff success, and successful systems of support. Learn more about how CEC can support your complex area office or network at cecweb.org/Hawaii or contact a CEC consultant at info@cecweb.orgCA TA LY ST FOR EDUCATIONAL CHANGE
Catalyst for Educational Change (CEC) isan approved vendor of HawaiiDepartment of Education to partner withHawaiʻi schools and complex offices.A B O U T C E COur work is change management.Our mission is to be the catalyst forcollective solutions and innovation inmore educational environments.Our consultants thoughtfully weave planning andpreparations for an inclusive and collective implementationand shared leadership.All underlying components of support for schools are rooted inthe unique values and culture of Hawaiʻi with an emphasis onplace-based learning and a sense of belonging.
1234512345P R O B L E M OF P RA C T I C EE M P O W E R E D LE AD E R S H I PF I V E C O R EC O M P O N E N T Sof Empowered Leadership PackagesF I V E C O R EC O M P O N E N T Sof Problem of Practice PackagesComprehensive Needs AssessmentLeadership CoachingFollow-up Coaching SessionsCulminating Data RetreatSchool Academic PlanFramework for Integrating Place-Based Learningand a Sense of BelongingComprehensive Needs AssessmentLeadership Coaching & Setting DirectionInquiry Based Professional LearningImplementation Support and MonitoringDesigned for a school team, the Problem of Practice Packages build collectivecapacity for continuous improvement through a comprehensive and holisticprocess. This is accomplished through a 6–12-month timeline of development andsupport with 100 customized hours, meeting the unique needs of each school.Problem of Practice Packages include College, Career, and Life Readiness; SchoolClimate; Whole Child; Mathematics; and Literacy. The lasting change is context-specific, has meaning and ownership by all stakeholders in the system, and leads tocontinuous improvement.The Empowered Leadership Package is designed for a school team to invest inpractices that build collective capacity for continuous improvement through acomprehensive and holistic shared leadership process that is tied to the disciplineof improvement science. Our approach accomplishes this by empowering leaders toeffectively collaborate, analyze multiple sources of data, and make data-informeddecisions to positively impact school culture and student academic and behavioraloutcomes. With 20 days of customized support, this Package is also designed to becompleted within one year for each school with training, coaching, and tools thatincrease the leadership team’s knowledge, skills, and practices. This is done throughvirtual and onsite sessions with each school, individual and team coaching, professionallearning, data reviews, retreats, and academic plan development.We are committed to supporting Hawaii district schools and offices so we cantogether achieve student success, staff success, and successful systems of support. Learn more about how CEC can support your school at cecweb.org/Hawaii or contactcontact a CEC consultant at info@cecweb.orgCA TA LY ST FOR EDUCATIONAL CHANGE
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