How to Know If Your School’s Reading Program is Evidence-Based

As a parent of a struggling reader, you know that the quality of their reading instruction is paramount. You’ve done your research, and you know you need to ask for a program that is “evidence-based.” But this term can be a minefield. Many curriculum publishers market their programs as “research-based,” but that doesn’t always mean they are effective for students with dyslexia.

So, how can you, as a parent, become a discerning consumer of educational programs? Here is a guide to help you investigate whether your school’s reading program is truly aligned with the Science of Reading.

1. Look for the Core Principles of Structured Literacy

An effective program for dyslexia must be a Structured Literacy program. This is non-negotiable. When you are talking to the school or looking at the program materials, ask yourself if it is:

• Explicit: Are concepts taught directly by the teacher?
• Systematic and Cumulative: Is there a clear, logical sequence of skills, with each one building on the last?
• Multisensory: Does it engage sight, sound, and touch/movement?
• Diagnostic: Is student progress monitored constantly to inform instruction?

If the answer to these questions is no, it is not an appropriate program for your child.

2. Ask About Phonics Instruction

This is where the rubber meets the road. A legitimate, evidence-based program will have a strong, systematic phonics component. Ask the school:

• “What is your scope and sequence for teaching phonics?” They should be able to show you a clear plan for the order in which letter sounds and patterns are taught.
• “How much time is dedicated to phonics instruction each day?” For early grades and struggling readers, this should be a significant and protected block of time.

Red Flag: If the school says they “integrate phonics into our reading block” or teach phonics “as it comes up in a story,” that is not systematic instruction.

3. Investigate for Signs of Three-Cueing

As we’ve discussed, the three-cueing system is a major red flag. Look for any materials or teacher prompts that encourage guessing. Ask the teacher, “What do you tell a student to do when they come to a word they don’t know?”

If the answer is anything other than, “I prompt them to use their decoding strategies and sound it out,” you are likely dealing with a balanced literacy program, not an evidence-based one.

4. Check Reputable Sources

You don’t have to do this research alone. There are several organizations that review and vet reading curricula. For example, EdReports.org is an independent non-profit that provides free, in-depth reviews of instructional materials. Look up your school’s curriculum on their site and see how it scores on its alignment to evidence-based practices.

5. Ask About Teacher Training

A great program in the hands of an untrained teacher is not a great program. Ask:

• “What specific training have the teachers and interventionists had in this program?”
• “Was it a one-day workshop or an intensive, multi-week course with a practicum?”
• “Are the instructors certified in this approach?”

Rigorous, evidence-based programs require extensive training to be implemented effectively.

Being an informed parent advocate means being a bit of a detective. By asking these tough questions, you are not being difficult; you are doing your due diligence. You are ensuring that your child’s precious instructional time is spent on methods that are scientifically proven to work. Don’t be swayed by marketing claims or assurances. Dig for the evidence, and insist on a program that will give your child the tools they need to become a successful reader.

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Related reading:

• What is Structured Literacy? A Parent's Guide
• Orton-Gillingham Explained: The Gold Standard for Dyslexia
• Red Flag: Why the Three-Cueing System Doesn't Work