As more districts commit to evidence-based literacy instruction, the conversation is shifting from why Structured Literacy matters to how to implement it well. Through decades of work in this space, IMSE has seen a clear pattern: successful implementation doesn’t start with programs, it starts with leadership.

At the upcoming IMSE Leadership Literacy Summit 2026, keynote speaker Kareem Weaver, Co-Founder and Executive Director of FULCRUM, will challenge leaders to focus on the systems, structures, and decisions that make lasting literacy improvement possible. With a wealth of experience spanning classrooms, district leadership, and national advocacy, Kareem brings an urgent perspective on literacy as both an instructional priority and a civil right.

Kareem recently sat down with us for a Q&A about what it takes to bring the science of reading into every classroom, and why leadership clarity, alignment, and culture are at the center of that work.

IMSE:

Many literacy conversations focus on classroom instruction, but your work often highlights the role of leadership and systems. What are the most important leadership decisions that determine whether literacy initiatives succeed or stall?

Kareem: 

In order of importance, I would say clarity, consistency, communication, curriculum, contract, and culture.

Clarity is essential across several areas, from the focus of an initiative (as evidenced by how leaders spend their time) to the cadence and expectation for observation and quality feedback. People must know and understand the expectations and the goal. The actions supporting that goal must be applied consistently—from the observation and feedback cadence, to providing instruction that teachers have consistently internalized. 

There must be a serious effort towards ongoing communication of the plan and its progress. Celebrate the wins and don’t assume that people know about the momentum. You have to elevate the examples of success so people will focus on what’s possible. 

The curriculum should match the planning time. Without this, you can’t get consistent internalization. Further, the students who are the most vulnerable will be structurally denied the support they need. 

While there are a small handful of curricula with evidence of efficacy that involve a light planning load, others work but require more planning, and some have little to no evidence of supporting student growth. Choose wisely.  

Finally, ‘culture beats program’ any day of the week. You must have a culture that is professional and not easily distracted.

IMSE: 

Many districts today are committed to the science of reading, but implementation can still feel uneven. What do leaders most often misunderstand about what it actually takes to make evidence-based literacy instruction a reality in every classroom?

Kareem: 

The engine that drives the science of reading or any other initiative is having a “Data-Driven Culture.” That simply means you focus on the details of practice and student need, rather than being occupied by other factors or interests. Paul Bambrick-Sontoyo’s books are very helpful here, for example, Leverage Leadership and Driven by Data. I usually see these books when I visit a high-functioning principal.

IMSE: 

Your keynote will focus on the structures that support effective literacy instruction, from curriculum and professional learning to assessment and daily instructional support. What does true alignment across those pieces look like in a district that’s getting it right?

Kareem: 

True alignment in a district that’s getting literacy right shows up in both systems and daily practice. You see clear routines, strong instructional leadership, and regular team data meetings focused on student needs. There’s a shared understanding of priorities, with leadership teams establishing clear areas of focus and teachers holding a consistent standard of diligence. Language development is emphasized across all content areas, alongside a genuine appreciation for language—its structure, origin, and use. 

The curriculum and materials are intentionally designed to support both the least experienced educators and the most vulnerable students, while coaching is accessible and consistent. These systems are reinforced by a strong professional culture, reflected in things like low teacher absence and a high “smiles per person” ratio. Most importantly, learning is coherent: concepts, vocabulary, and topics are intentionally connected over time so that students can build knowledge and proficiency year after year.

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Kareem Weaver’s keynote will go deeper into the specific demands of literacy leadership, exploring what it takes to move from intention to impact, and how leaders can align systems to ensure every student has access to effective reading instruction. Attendees will explore how to connect curriculum, professional learning, assessment, and daily instructional support into a cohesive, results-driven approach.

If you’re ready to move beyond fragmented efforts and build an aligned system where literacy success is sustainable and scalable, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

The IMSE Leadership Literacy Summit 2026 will be held virtually from April 22-23, 2026.  Register now to hear Kareem Weaver’s keynote and gain the clarity needed to lead meaningful change.

 


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