From pre-K through third grade, Jonah ranked in the bottom 5% of his class. Today, he’s a high-achieving high school student recognized for leadership and creativity, and he’s determined to help teachers get the training they need.

GWRSD leaders were dedicated to helping struggling students thrive, and real change began when the district found an evidence-based literacy framework.

Strong phonics instruction can mask deeper challenges when oral language development goes unseen. This first article in a three-part series examines how invisible language gaps impact comprehension and why intentional oral language instruction is essential for lasting literacy success.

As 2026 begins, IMSE is advancing literacy with fresh innovations, upcoming events, and renewed commitment to empowering educators and confident readers.

From expanding our impact through the IMSE Foundation to forging new partnerships and launching new classroom resources, the developments we’ve seen in 2025 will resonate far beyond IMSE’s walls.