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ReadWorks, a leading nonprofit EdTech dedicated to improving reading comprehension, is excited to announce the launch of its new and improved licensing program, making it easier than ever for education companies, EdTech platforms, publishers, and curriculum providers to integrate ReadWorks’ proven, high-quality reading content into their platforms. For years, ReadWorks has provided 100% free, research-backed reading materials to millions of educators and students. Now, through its enhanced licensing program, learning solutions can seamlessly search and filter through ReadWorks’ expertly curated content—including nonfiction and fiction passages, ebooks, and more– to create customized content selections based on grade level, subject, Lexile level, or other specific criteria for their educational products. Additionally, learning solutions can request bespoke research, which can be conducted on their behalf to ensure the most relevant and tailored content selections. “At ReadWorks, our mission includes ensuring every student has access to the highest-quality reading content,” said Terry Bowman, Executive Director at ReadWorks. “By expanding our licensing opportunities, we’re able to deliver engaging, research-based reading comprehension resources to even more students nationwide.” /
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Why License ReadWorks Content? Proven Effectiveness – ReadWorks’ evidence-based resources improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and background knowledge. Customizable Integration – Licensing options allow for tailored content selection based on the needs of each learning platform. Expanding Reach – More students and educators can benefit from the trusted high-quality reading content beyond the ReadWorks platform. Organizations interested in licensing ReadWorks content can explore flexible options, with fees based on the scope of content access and integration needs. All proceeds support ReadWorks’ mission to provide high-quality resources to those who need them most. Learn more about licensing with ReadWorks at ReadWorks.org/licensing.
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 | The latest NAEP data is more than a wake-up call—it’s an urgent demand for action. Reading scores have declined, and the need for effective, research-based solutions has never been greater. This is not just a challenge for educators; it’s a collective responsibility. Families, teachers, and communities must come together to ensure every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. Read our statement to learn more about how ReadWorks is committed to being part of the solution. |
Everyone Reading Conference
| Join us on March 3 and 4, 2025, at the CUNY Graduate Center for a transformative academic conference on dyslexia! This must-attend event will feature leading experts sharing cutting-edge research, innovative strategies, and best practices for supporting individuals with dyslexia. We’re especially excited that ReadWorks’ own Tamika Reece will be presenting on Decodables, sharing valuable insights on how these resources can support literacy development. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with experts, and enhance your impact in the field of dyslexia! |  |
Welcome Zoe Chandra to the RAC
 | ReadWorks is excited to welcome Zoe Chandra to the ReadWorks Advisory Council (RAC)! Originally from Northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., Zoe attended Dartmouth College, where she studied Data Science and Public Policy. For the past few years, she has been based in Boston, working as a consultant at Bain & Company. She also brings valuable experience from her time at the Gates Foundation, where she worked on a team dedicated to expanding digital connectivity—an opportunity that sparked her deep interest in the EdTech space. Zoe is eager to bring her passion and expertise to ReadWorks as she continues learning about and investing in education technology. We’re thrilled to have her on board! |
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The nation’s report card was released on January 29, 2025, and results highlight a disheartening decline in national reading scores. Education Week, The New York Times, and The Washington Post published articles highlighting concern around the latest National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP). The results show that reading scores continuing to fall and include these key takeaways:
Despite concerted efforts by educators and policymakers, reading proficiency levels have not seen the desired improvement. Factors contributing to this issue include disparities in educational access, varying quality of instructional materials, chronic absenteeism, and the diverse learning needs of students. Researchers and journalists have proposed multiple hypotheses, but it’s evident that these reading scores and the challenges that they highlight require innovative research-based solutions to support educators in improving reading comprehension.
- Overall student performance in reading fell in both 4th and 8th grade.
- These declines were driven by low performers.
- The gap between high performers and lower performers grew and is now the widest in the test’s 55-year history.
- Low-income students scored an average of 27 points less than high-income students.
- English Language Learners (ELLs) students had a slightly higher decline across the board than non-ELLs with an average of 34 points less than non-ELLs.
Despite concerted efforts by educators and policymakers, reading proficiency levels have not seen the desired improvement. Factors contributing to this issue include disparities in educational access, varying quality of instructional materials, chronic absenteeism, and the diverse learning needs of students. Researchers and journalists have proposed multiple hypotheses, but it’s evident that these reading scores and the challenges that they highlight require innovative research-based solutions to support educators in improving reading comprehension.
ReadWorks: A proven strategy
At ReadWorks, our mission has alway been to bridge the gap between research and practice in reading comprehension by providing free, evidence-based resources to all educators and their students. The ReadWorks platform offers a vast library of curated articles, paired with comprehension questions and vocabulary support, to support teachers in bringing even more effective reading practice into the classroom.
Multiple research studies show that the consistent use of ReadWorks materials can lead to significant improvements in students’ reading abilities. ReadWorks 2024 school-based studies showed:
➡️ See all the research studies on the ReadWorks website.
Multiple research studies show that the consistent use of ReadWorks materials can lead to significant improvements in students’ reading abilities. ReadWorks 2024 school-based studies showed:
- In just 9 weeks, 4th grade students improved their knowledge, a key aspect of reading comprehension, by 11% using the simple 10-15 minute Article-A-Day™ routine.
- In just 6 weeks, teachers reported growth in their own instructional practices and students’ decoding skills and reading confidence by using the Article-A-Day™ + Decodable Texts routine.
➡️ See all the research studies on the ReadWorks website.
EdTech on a mission: Advancing reading comprehension for every learner
In light of the recent reading scores and the ongoing challenges they reveal, the importance of ReadWorks’ mission has never been more evident. By equipping under-resourced schools and educators with high-quality, accessible tools, we empower them to meet the diverse needs of their students. ReadWorks’ commitment to providing free resources ensures that all students, regardless of school resources, economic status, ethnicity, or race, have access to a teacher with effective materials and instructional support to develop their reading skills.
Teachers continue to integrate ReadWorks’ resources based on their students’ needs and evolving goals, and ReadWorks continues to answer the call to provide solutions based on the science of reading for daily whole-school reading routines, small group instruction, and individual student interventions. We customize ReadWorks to help educational leaders with their specific pain points.
See the grid below for examples of how ReadWorks has supported–and continues to support– schools, teachers, families, and students.
Teachers continue to integrate ReadWorks’ resources based on their students’ needs and evolving goals, and ReadWorks continues to answer the call to provide solutions based on the science of reading for daily whole-school reading routines, small group instruction, and individual student interventions. We customize ReadWorks to help educational leaders with their specific pain points.
See the grid below for examples of how ReadWorks has supported–and continues to support– schools, teachers, families, and students.
School Challenge |
ReadWorks Suggestion |
Any K-8 Student Who Needs Reading Comprehension Practice |
Implement Article-A-Day using grade-level text sets daily for 10 minutes over at least 15 weeks of the school year to build background knowledge, vocabulary, and reading stamina. |
Below Grade Level Lower Performers |
With flexible digital and printable resources, ReadWorks can easily integrate into daily small groups and/or one-on-one intervention to give students additional opportunities to build comprehension skills. |
Older Students with Gaps |
Many teachers use ReadWorks reading passages and nonfiction decodables with older students because the passages include knowledge-rich content and the real-life images engage students who still need phonics support and background-knowledge building. |
Instructing ELL Students |
Launched this fall, ReadWorks Spanish-English Paired Texts bring together key areas of research to support teachers in leveraging Spanish speakers’ existing language skills. |
Chronic Absenteeism |
Digitally assign ReadWorks passages for home use—we offer both online and offline access. Students find ReadWorks passages really engaging because the library suggests passages based on their interests. |
Budget-Friendly Quality Webinars for Title I Schools |
ReadWorks offers free virtual tailored webinars for educators at Title I schools who may need or desire additional support in best instructional practices for improving reading comprehension. |
Budget-Friendly Quality Resources and Training for All |
ReadWorks offers monthly free live webinars for educators and families. Attend live to participate in Q & A on best practices in reading comprehension or watch on-demand at any time. View the free webinars on the ReadWorks website. |
Resources Aligned to School Curricula |
ReadWorks provides curriculum alignments to help teachers seamlessly supplement their existing reading programs with high-quality, research-based reading comprehension practice. Use aligned passages, questions sets and vocabulary activities to reinforce concepts and deepen student understanding. View all alignments. |
The recent data from NAEP serves as a call to action for the educational community and beyond. As we strive to address and reverse the trend of stagnant reading scores, ReadWorks remains dedicated to supporting educators, students, families, and communities by maintaining 100% free resources and teacher support with a focus on low-income communities, thanks to our generous donors. While reading scores may not improve with a single change, they can improve through multiple partnerships across state-, district- and school-wide education efforts, communication, and a focused commitment to navigating the continual challenges and implementing proven solutions.
