From Research to Results: Why Action Matters More Than Ever
This is the third post in a four-part series exploring the principles behind our new brand identity, each one grounded in what teachers have told us matters most. If you missed the earlier posts, you can catch up here:
Teachers Are Powerful
Practical Is Powerful
When I think about the role of research in education, I come back to a simple truth: research is only valuable if we act on it.
It’s not enough to reference studies or align with trends. We have to treat research as a living body of evidence and commit to evolving with it.
That’s why I believe this so strongly: Research is powerful …. and that’s why it’s one of our core beliefs.
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What the Research Is Really Telling Us
The science of how students learn to read continues to grow. Researchers are discovering new insights, new practices, and new ways to support student success.
While visiting classrooms, I've seen how powerful it can be when we follow the best available evidence. Great teaching requires openness and a willingness to continually adapt, reflect, and leverage the best practices from new research.
That’s what we as education leaders need to do, not just because the research says so, but because teachers and students deserve nothing less.
Research Alone Isn’t Enough
There’s a big difference between referencing research and actually building on it.
Being research-based means more than just citing sources. It means adding and refining resources when new findings emerge. It means helping teachers align instruction with what we now know works best.
This is how to build confidence. It creates consistency across classrooms. And it helps educators, students, and parents work toward a shared goal.
In a world where literacy solutions vary widely in quality—consistency matters more than ever.
Why Adaptability Matters
One of the benefits of digital literacy solutions is the ability to adapt quickly. When research evolves, digital tools can evolve with it—without waiting for the next print cycle or edition update.
That flexibility lets education providers stay aligned with the most current thinking in literacy instruction.
And most importantly, it gives teachers what they need, when they need it—without the wait.
As a company, we’re also always learning—and we’re committed to putting that learning into practice.
For example, we recently restructured how we align to the five pillars of literacy and improved our solutions to add more foundational resources. These changes were significant improvements based on what current research shows is most effective.
What Teachers Deserve From Research-Based Tools
When research is implemented thoughtfully and clearly, a number of important things happen:
- Teachers and Administrators gain confidence in the materials they use because they know they’re backed by evidence.
- Instruction becomes more consistent and purposeful–even across varied classrooms and schools.
- Student outcomes improve because lessons reflect how students actually learn.
- Parents and communities trust the process, knowing it’s guided by the best available knowledge.
In short, research helps teaching work better when it’s translated into action.
Let’s Keep Building What Works
Research should be more than a buzzword. It should be a guide. A responsibility. A way to bring clarity and equity to instruction.
In our final post of this series, I’ll explore one last principle: Joy is powerful—and joyful learning is not just possible, it’s essential.