Missouri Read, Lead, Exceed

DESE is excited to support evidence-based literacy instruction focused on the Science of Reading. The Missouri Read, Lead, Exceed initiative is the state's comprehensive plan to dedicate $25 million in state funding and just over $35 million in federal relief funding to support student literacy.  As part of this plan, over 15,000 Pre-K through 5th grade classroom teachers may receive training in Lexia’s Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS®) and/or LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators. Additionally, up to 4,000 6-9 educators may receive training in Lexia’s Aspire® Professional Learning, and over 250 administrators may receive training in Lexia's LETRS® for Administrators. These courses of study give teachers and administrators the skills needed to help support and teach language and literacy to every student by providing in-depth training in the Science of Reading. These teachers and administrators will receive this training at no cost to them or their local education agency (LEA). 

This opportunity for LETRS^® training provides sustained and job-embedded professional learning. Teachers will develop evidence-based foundational knowledge and the expertise to deliver explicit and systematic instruction focused on the essential skills that positively affect long-term systemic change in literacy outcomes. Over 10,000 Missouri educators have already participated in LETRS^® training offered by DESE, their Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDCs), and/or LEA and have responded with excitement and positive feedback.

All K-5 public educators are invited to sign up for LETRS^® Volumes I and II. Please use the following link to pre-register for the 2026-27 school year: Read, Lead, Exceed LETRS^® Volumes I and II. The deadline for Fall 2026 cohorts is July 15, 2026. 

All Pre-K public school educators are invited to sign up for Early Childhood LETRS^®. Please use the following link to pre-register for the 2026-27 school year: Read, Lead, Exceed Early Childhood LETRS^®. The deadline for Fall 2026 cohorts is July 15, 2026.

All 6-9 public school educators are invited to sign up for Aspire^®. Please use the following link to pre-register for the 2026-27 school year: Read, Lead, Exceed Aspire^®. The deadline for Fall 2026 cohorts is July 15, 2026.

Once pre-registration is complete, the district’s local RPDC will contact you to schedule your training dates.

For questions about LETRS^®  or Aspire^® training availability, contact your local RPDC or the Office of Literacy at literacy@dese.mo.gov.

Why is this important?

• Aligning instruction with the science of reading gives students the best chance of becoming successful readers.
• The creation and development of connections in our brains, created primarily through instruction, is necessary for reading.
• Regardless of the textbook or instructional materials used, if the teacher does not have the knowledge of evidence-based practices and standards, all students will not acquire what is needed to learn.
• Knowledgeable educational leadership is important to guide district and building level literacy initiatives that align to the Science of Reading. Without this support, educators cannot sustain high-quality literacy instruction.

Literacy Initiatives Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read, Lead, Exceed Literacy Webinar Series

• Read, Lead, Exceed: Literacy Webinar 1: An Overview of Missouri's Literacy Supports, Projects, and Resources
• Read, Lead, Exceed: Literacy Webinar 2: Reading Success Plans, and the State-Approved K-3 Reading Assessments
• Read, Lead, Exceed: Literacy Webinar 3: Read, Lead, Exceed LETRS^® Training

Literacy-Based Administrative Memos

• 01/02/2025: OCCR-24-001: K-3 Foundational Reading Assessment and Reading Success Plans
• 07/23/2024: OCCR-24-006: K-3 Foundational Reading Assessment State Approved List
• 05/09/2024: OCCR-24-004: Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Materials
• 03/14/2024: OCCR-24-003: Application Reopened for Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program Fund
• 01/22/2024: OCCR-24-001: Application Reopened for Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program Funding
• 06/27/2023: OCCR-23-008 — Evidence-Based Reading Instructional Materials
• 06/23/2023: OCCR-23-007 — Reading Success Plan Guidance
• 04/21/2023: OCCR-23-005 — State-Approved Reading Assessment List
• 04/11/2023: OCCR-23-004 — Literacy Initiatives Update

Live Virtual Office Hours

The Literacy Team at DESE will now be offering live virtual office hours to support LEAs in answering questions related to Read, Lead, Exceed Literacy Initiatives. The team is excited to offer this option that will provide administrators and teachers with direct support for implementation of the new K-3 Foundational Reading Assessments, Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program reimbursement applications, LETRS^® training, and Reading Success Plans. Office hours will begin on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Join DESE's Thursday literacy office hours using this link.

To view archived Live Virtual Office Hour documents, please click here.

To view the cumulative document containing the questions and answers from all 2025-26 office hours, click here.

Title	Content	Date
Open Question and Answer	This Office Hour will provide participants the opportunity to ask questions regarding any literacy initiatives. Q&A Document, August 14, 2025 Presentation Document, August 14, 2025	Thursday August 14, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Secondary Reading Success Plans (RSPs)	This Office Hour will highlight key elements of the recently released Reading Success Plan guidance for grades 6-12. Lisa Scroggs, Director of Secondary Literacy, will walk participants through the key components of the 6-12 RSP guidance and answer questions. Q&A Document, August 21, 2025 Presentation Document, August 21, 2025 Presentation Recording, August 21, 2025	Thursday August 21 2025 10:00 am
Foundational Reading Assessment	This Office Hour will focus on the K-3 Foundational Reading Assessments. During this hour, Olivia Apsher, Director of Early Literacy, will provide guidance and support regarding the beginning-of-year assessment window. Q&A Document, August 28, 2025 Presentation Document, August 28, 2025 Presentation Recording, August 28, 2025	Thursday August 28 2025 10:00 am
Foundational Reading Assessment	This Office Hour will focus on the K-3 Foundational Reading Assessments. During this hour, Olivia Apsher, Director of Early Literacy, will provide guidance and support regarding the beginning-of-year assessment window. Presentation Document, September 4, 2025 Q&A Document, September 4, 2025	Thursday September 4, 2025 3:15 pm
Open Question and Answer	This Office Hour will provide participants the opportunity to ask questions regarding any literacy initiatives.   Q&A Document, September 11, 2025	Thursday September 11, 2025 10:00 a.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date	Thursday September 18, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Reading Success Plans & IEPs	This Office Hour will provide additional information and discussion about Reading Success Plans (RSPs) and IEPs. The Office of Literacy will be presenting alongside the Office of Special Education. Presentation Document, September 25, 2025 Q&A Document, September 25, 2025 Video Presentation, September 25, 2025	Thursday September 25, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know	During this office hour, the Office of Literacy will share an overview of International Dyslexia Association's (IDA) handbook Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know. It was created by IDA to raise awareness, share best practices, and to serve as a resource for school administrators and staff. Presentation Document, October 2, 2025 Q&A Document, October 2, 2025 Video Presentation, October 2, 2025	Thursday October 2, 2025 3:15 p.m.
Q&A	This Office Hour will provide participants the opportunity to ask questions regarding any literacy initiatives Q&A Document, October 9, 2025	Thursday, October 9, 2025 10:00 a.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date	Thursday, October 16, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Dyslexia and Adolescent Literacy	This Office Hour will focus on adolescent dyslexia. Guest presenter, Kim Stuckey (Dyslexia Consultant and Missouri Reading League President), will cover the characteristics of dyslexia and share supports to help students be successful in the classroom. Q&A Document, October 23, 2025 Presentation Document, October 23, 2025 Presentation Video, October 23, 2025	Thursday, October 23, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Q&A	This Office Hour will provide participants the opportunity to ask questions regarding any literacy initiatives Q&A Document, October 30, 2025	Thursday, October 30, 2025 10:00 a.m.
English Learners	This Office Hours will provide additional information and discussion about Reading Success Plans (RSPs) and English Learners. The Office of Literacy will be presenting alongside the Department's English Language Development Director, Cammy Goucher. Q&A Document, November 6, 2025 Presentation Document, November 6, 2025 Presentation Video, November 6, 2025	Thursday, November 6, 2025 3:15 p.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date	Thursday, November 13, 2025 10:00 a.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date	Thursday, November 20, 2025 10:00 a.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date	Thursday, November 27, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Background Knowledge & Vocabulary	This Office Hour will deepen and strengthen participants' knowledge and understanding of background knowledge and vocabulary instruction.	Thursday, December 4, 2025 3:15 p.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date.	Thursday, December 11, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Question and Answer	This office hour will provide participants the opportunity to ask questions regarding any literacy initiative.	Thursday, December 18, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Language Structures and Verbal Reasoning	This Office Hour will provide participants the opportunity to deepen and strengthen their knowledge and understanding of language structures and verbal reasoning and the role these play in language comprehension.	Thursday, January 8, 2025 3:15 p.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date.	Thursday, January 15, 2026 10:00 a.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date.	Thursday, January 22, 2026 10:00 a.m.
Secondary Reading Intervention Strategies: Tier 1	What does tier 1 literacy instruction look like in middle school science and social studies classrooms? Teachers Matt Loomis (Bayless Middle School) and Natalie Mummert (East Buchanan Middle School) will share their successful, evidence-based practices during this office hour.	Thursday, January 29, 2025 10:00 a.m.
Comprehension	This Office Hour will provide participants the opportunity to deepen and strengthen their knowledge and understanding of comprehension and its connection to Scarborough's Reading Rope.	Thursday, February 5, 2025 3:15 p.m.
NO OFFICE HOUR	There is no office hour on this date.	Thursday, February 12, 2026 10:00 a.m.

Evidence-Based Instructional Materials List

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has published the state-approved evidence-based reading instructional materials list. Per Section 161.241, RSMo, DESE must provide examples of evidence-based reading instructional materials to help local education agencies (LEAs) select and use reading curricula and instructional materials aligned with the science of reading.

The state-approved evidence-based reading instructional materials list serves as a resource for schools to select materials. LEAs are not required to select materials from this list. However, LEAs that are eligible to request reimbursement for instructional materials must select materials from this list.

The following are approved publishers and their evidenced-based K-5 reading instructional materials.

• State-Approved Instructional Materials List

The state-approved reading instructional materials provide reading instruction that is explicit, systematic, and diagnostic. The materials are evidence-based and include instruction on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, morphology, syntax, and semantics. These state-approved materials do not include nor reference the three-cuing system.

This is not an all-inclusive list. DESE will initiate an additional formal Request for Proposal process to begin reviewing K-2 specific reading instructional materials as well as supplemental materials that publishers may have available. Additional communication will follow when any reading instructional materials are added to the DESE-approved list.

Reading Success Plan

The Reading Success Plan (RSP) guidance document for grades K-5 and guidance document for grades 6-12 provide information regarding determination requirements, a systematic process for development and implementation, and reporting requirements for RSPs. An overview of the RSP process for grades 6-12 can also be viewed on the webinar “Managing Reading Success Plans for Students in Grades 6-12.”

Early literacy education is critical to a student’s long-term academic success. Therefore, it is important to identify students who have a substantial reading deficiency or are at risk for reading disabilities, such as dyslexia, as early as possible. Early identification allows educators to provide instructional support targeted to individual student needs, to monitor student progress and response to instruction over time, and to adjust instruction as needed. 

An RSP is a well-developed and defined plan to support students who exhibit a substantial deficiency in reading. Missouri legislation (Section 167.645, RSMo) specifically addresses student literacy and lists the requirements of an RSP. The development of an RSP includes the process of gathering and analyzing student data, determining if a student has a substantial reading deficiency (SRD), using data to set student growth goals, and assessing whether students meet those goals at the end of instruction. Students who receive an RSP must have evidence-based intervention reading instruction that is grounded in the science of reading.

Editable Documents:

RSP Implementation Checklist

RSP Template

Sample RSP Parent Letters

Language Essentials for Teachers and Spelling (LETRS^®) Training

MO Read, Lead, Exceed LETRS^® Training for ALL K-5 Educators

We are pleased to share that LETRS^® facilitators are currently supporting more than 9,800 literacy educators in their LETRS^® Training journey. An additional 3,700 Missouri educators have previously received LETRS^® training.

Pre-registration for Summer and Fall 2024 cohorts is now open, and we are now taking pre-registrations for year two cohorts. Nearly 2,500 teachers have already signed up for the new cohorts starting summer and fall 2024, but space is still available. All K-5 educators are invited to sign up for this amazing opportunity!

Please use the following link to pre-register for the Read, Lead, Exceed LETRS^® Volumes I and II by July 15, 2024, for cohorts beginning in September, 2024.

Once pre-registration is complete, the district’s local Regional Professional Development Center will contact you to schedule your training dates.

For questions about LETRS^® training availability, contact your local RPDC or the Office of Literacy at dese.literacy@dese.mo.gov.

Literacy-Based Quick Reference Guide

DESE’s Literacy-Based Quick Reference Guide is now available for LEAs here on DESE’s Literacy Initiatives webpage. The guide is intended to help school leaders navigate the changes in legislation aimed to improve how Missouri students are taught to read. Additionally, the guide provides information regarding the roles and responsibilities at the state, LEA, school, and classroom level. The most significant changes that go into effect on January 1, from Section 167.645, address literacy instruction being delivered to students who are exhibiting a reading deficiency or who are at risk for dyslexia.

Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program (EBRIP) Funding

DESE has reopened the application for the Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program. This new application window will allow local education agencies (LEAs) to request reimbursement of expenses for resources and programs implemented in the 2024-25 school year. Funds received under this grant must be a reimbursement to the LEA. 

2024-25 Reimbursement Window

• Guidance Document
• EBRIP Form

In the summer of 2022, the Missouri legislature approved the Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program Fund (Senate Bill 681, Section 161.241, RSMo) to be used to reimburse LEAs for efforts to improve student literacy. DESE will administer this funding and provide support to LEAs as they move through the application process. These state funds, along with federal COVID-19 relief funds, will be used to improve student literacy, encourage and promote alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction practices, and overcome the learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

State Literacy Plan - Steps to Success Series

The purpose of the Missouri Read, Lead, Exceed: Steps to Success series is to provide a framework for action with the intent of aligning state, district, and local literacy efforts and ensuring that our students develop the strong literacy skills they need for the future. This initiative will empower educators, inspire students, and encourage leaders with high-quality learning, support, and resources making literacy accessible to all.

Step One: Preparing for your Comprehensive Literacy Plan

Step One: Preparing for Your Comprehensive Literacy Plan introduces and provides a comprehensive look at the research behind each component of a well-designed literacy plan. An integrated literacy model ensures that high-quality literacy instruction occurs within the context of inclusive and equitable systems of schooling and features high levels of engagement, a focus on continuous improvement, and application of the Comprehensive Literacy Framework. Step 1 includes the understanding that the framework is not a mandated document for districts but rather a collection of resources, ideas, and themes that might be considered in building a local, Comprehensive Literacy Plan (CLP). It sets the direction for literacy programs statewide by describing the alignment and integration of state literacy initiatives.

Step Two: A Framework for Self-Assessment when Designing Your Comprehensive Literacy Plan

Missouri’s Read, Lead, Exceed: Steps to Success Series, Step Two is an evidence-based resource for local education agencies (LEAs). Developed as part of the 2020 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant, this framework includes the Comprehensive Literacy Needs Assessment (CLNA) and a Comprehensive Literacy Plan (CLP) templates (for small LEAs and large LEAs) designed to support LEAs in determining areas of need, setting priority goals and beginning a plan of action. The framework provides a pathway to the integration of literacy development, literacy instruction, and the Missouri Learning Standards. It guides LEAs in developing a local CLP by providing clear guidance on the components of a comprehensive literacy system and incorporating evidence-based practices to achieve long-term success for students.

Additional DESE Literacy Information

• Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program
• English Language Arts
• Dyslexia

English Language Development

English Language Development (ELD) instruction is designed specifically to advance English learners (ELs) knowledge and use of English in increasingly sophisticated ways. In the context of the larger effort to help English learners succeed in school, ELD instruction is designed to help them learn and acquire English to a level of proficiency that maximizes their capacity to engage successfully in academic studies taught in English.

Although there might be multiple goals for ELD instruction—engaging in social interactions inside and outside of school and in other pursuits requiring English proficiency (e.g., obtaining news, serving as a juror, voting, shopping, banking, and locating and using information)—we would argue that preparation for academic studies taught in English remains the top priority because of its relevance to school and career success. Helping ELs succeed in academic contexts is no doubt the most challenging goal and most likely the greatest need to emerge in recent English learner research. Blueprint for English Learner Success.

Office of Childhood

The Missouri Early Learning Standards (MELS) are a framework of expectations for what children can do from infancy to kindergarten entry. Each standard includes a description of what the child may be doing to demonstrate meeting the standard, as well as, activities to give adults examples of ways to support the child in learning and mastering a skill or knowledge.

The MELS provides a comprehensive set of early childhood educational expectations for children’s development and learning in all developmental areas, including language and early literacy skills. Visit the Early Learning Standards webpage for a copy of the full document, an informational video, and other resources to support the use of the MELS in your early learning program.

Adult Education & Literacy

A division of DESE, Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) provides free virtual and face-to-face classroom instruction to eligible Missouri citizens in Reading, Language, Mathematics, English Language Competency, Workplace Literacy, Digital Literacy, Civics, and Citizenship. All classes are taught by certified instructors. Adult students receive preparation for Missouri’s High School Equivalency exam (HiSET^®) integrated with career specific workforce training. English learners become literate in the English language while learning the responsibilities of citizenship and workforce preparation.

The purpose of DESE AEL is to assist adults to become literate, attain their high school equivalency (which is the HiSET^® in Missouri), obtain employment, and to become self-sufficient. In addition, the programs assist parents in obtaining educational skills necessary to become full partners in the education of their children as well as assist those students learning English to become literate and understand the responsibilities of citizenship in the United States.

School Libraries

Multiple studies have shown positive connections between student achievement and the presence of a strong library program in schools. School librarians complement the high-quality literacy instruction of classroom teachers by strengthening students’ love for reading. Learn more about school libraries on DESE’s Library Media Centers web page.

Read Across America and Missouri Read-In Day

Join DESE to celebrate all things literacy on social media this March! Two literacy-related recognition events take place each March: Read Across America Week (March 2-6) and Missouri Read-In Day (March 14). Activities marking these occasions provide great opportunities to highlight the meaningful work being done statewide by schools, educators, and other stakeholders to focus on literacy. 

DESE hopes to showcase literacy-related content from across the state on our social media platforms throughout the month of March—but that content doesn’t have to be specifically related to these recognition events. DESE simply wants to shine a light on the great work being done across Missouri to support literacy in classrooms, schools, and communities! To participate, simply tag @MoEducation in your post on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter). 

No plans yet to celebrate literacy in March? It’s not too late! DESE’s Literacy team has shared ideas on how your school/organization can get involved.  

For questions about the March social media campaign, please contact DESE Literacy at literacy@dese.mo.gov or DESE Communications at communications@dese.mo.gov.