THE READING LEAGUE
In The News
Read current and past news articles about The Reading League.
What a Recent Survey Tells Us About Teachers and The Science of Reading
Fordham Institute | June 11, 2026
This Thomas B. Fordham Institute commentary features an in-depth Q&A with TRL’s National Director of Policy and Partnerships, Kari Kurto, reacting to the institute’s recent survey report on national science of reading implementation. Kari highlights encouraging growth in teachers’ word-recognition strategies, but notes deep concerns regarding a persistent science of reading gap in high-poverty schools and the fact that only 2% of teachers report learning evidence-aligned practices during preservice training.
A Sign The Debate Over How To Teach Reading May Be Over: Bipartisanship
Forbes | June 10, 2026
This article includes direct commentary from TRL’s Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey on how the federal, bipartisan “READ Act” signals a major shift toward political consensus by codifying and funding science of reading instruction nationwide.
Episode 90 – Dr. Maria Murray of The Reading League
Dyslexia Duo | May 30, 2026
In this episode, hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth interview Dr. Maria Murray about TRL’s origins in 2015 and its growth to 46 state chapters (including DC) with a goal of reaching all states by year’s end. Dr. Murray explains the science of reading as a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically based reading research and clarifies common misconceptions about dyslexia and ineffective approaches that waste time.
Ep. 77 | Beyond Phonics: The Moral Imperative of the Science of Reading with Dr. Maria Murray, The Reading League
An Educated Guest | May 27, 2026
Host Todd Zipper sits down with Dr. Maria Murray, the force behind The Reading League, to discuss the staggering reality of American literacy. Despite massive financial investment in our K-12 systems, only three out of ten students read at grade level. Dr. Murray shares her journey from academia to launching a national movement that empowers teachers with the tools they were never given in their initial preparation.
Milliseconds Matter: Understanding How We Read with Eye-Tracking Research
LDA Podcast | May 20, 2026
In this episode, Lauren Closer interviews Ryan Buggy of The Reading League about his research using eye-tracking technology to study how the brain processes language. Ryan discusses the cognitive processes that impact reading and language and what the latest eye-tracking research can tell us about how we read. Based on this research, Ryan also shares best practices for educators and practitioners.
Company News: The Reading League Hires Melanie Hazelwood as National Chapter Director
Syracuse.com | May 6, 2026
The Reading League has hired Melanie Hazelwood as its National Chapter Director. Melanie will oversee the growth and development of state chapters focused on improving literacy outcomes through evidence-aligned reading instruction across the country.
How the Science of Reading Is Reshaping Teaching: What the Data Say
Education Week | April 29, 2026
A new survey from the Fordham Institute and RAND Corp. reveals that while 82% of K-3 teachers have completed science of reading training, about a third still combine phonics with discredited cueing strategies. This data highlights a persistent gap between professional development and classroom implementation. TRL’s Kari Kurto was interviewed and is quoted in this piece.
The Reading League Launches Decodable Books Imprint
Publishers Weekly | April 27, 2026
The article highlights that The Reading League is launching its own publishing branch, TRL Press, to align with the organization’s decade-long mission to advance the awareness of the science behind reading. By entering the publishing space, TRL increases its visibility and influence, providing practitioners with vetted resources that bridge the gap between research and classroom implementation.
Literacy Talks – Episode 118: You Have the Data—Now What? How to Actually Use Reading Data in Your Classroom
Reading Horizons | April 9, 2026
In this episode, Editor of The Reading League Journal, Dr. Jessica Toste, and Andrea Setmeyer, VP of Marketing, discuss why reading data often feels more like compliance than instruction and how to actually use assessment data to guide day-to-day teaching decisions.
Get involved in The Reading League
WSYR-TV (East Syracuse, NY) | March 19, 2026
This segment on Syracuse’s Bridge Street features TRL’s local impact and mission, highlighting how the organization provides educators with evidence-aligned literacy tools and professional development. TRL’s Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey was interviewed for this segment and she previewed several events happening in Syracuse this spring.
Bipartisan Science of Reading Bill Passes House Committee
The 74 | March 17, 2026
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has passed the bipartisan Science of Reading Act of 2026 (H.R. 7890), authored by Rep. John W. Mannion (NY-22), which aims to strengthen reading outcomes by promoting evidence-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. TRL’s Kari Kurto was interviewed for this article and emphasized that the legislation will go a long way toward solidifying our nation’s commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction.
Company News: Andrea Setmeyer promoted by The Reading League
Syracuse.com | March 17, 2026
The Reading League has promoted Andrea Setmeyer to vice president of marketing. In this role, she will lead national marketing strategy to amplify the organization’s mission and advance evidence-aligned reading instruction across the country.
Phonics Is Crucial. But How Much Is Too Much?
Education Week | March 11, 2026
In this article, experts discuss the challenge of phonics instruction, cautioning that while foundational skills are essential, overallocating time to isolated drills can crowd out comprehension and vocabulary development. TRL’s Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stuckey was interviewed for this article, and she discussed the importance of nuance in literacy instruction. As the science of reading movement evolves, Marisa reminds us that many schools are still in the critical early stages of implementing evidence-aligned practices.
Literacy is the Real Engine Behind High School Graduation Rates (Guest Opinion by Maria Murray)
Syracuse.com | March 2, 2026
In this guest opinion piece, TRL president and CEO Dr. Maria Murray argues that improving high school graduation rates requires a foundational shift toward evidence-aligned literacy instruction in the early grades.
Holding the Pendulum Steady
Language Magazine | February 26, 2026
Highlights from a conversation at the 9th Annual Conference of The Reading League featuring WIDA’s executive leadership at UW and educators from Georgia. The discussion explored how WIDA standards and assessments can be integrated with Structured Literacy to better support multilingual learners. The discussion was moderated by TRL’s Kari Kurto.
Leading Literacy Through Change with Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey
PodBean | February 24, 2026
Host Kerri Larkin speaks with Dr. Marisa Ramirez Stukey of The Reading League about why the science of reading must be paired with implementation science to drive real change. They explore how moving beyond fidelity, addressing system-level barriers, and supporting educators in practice are essential for achieving lasting literacy outcomes.
The Reading League Launches North Dakota Chapter for Evidence-based Literacy Education
Grand Forks Herald | February 17, 2026
The Reading League North Dakota has officially launched. Chapter President Jessica Paulsen shared how the chapter will expand access to evidence-based literacy education.
Reading nonprofit aims to help Nebraska teachers with science-based literacy instruction
Nebraska Public Radio | February 12, 2026
The Reading League has launched its Nebraska chapter to advance science-based reading instruction. Founding President Clarice Jackson emphasized the essential role teachers play in helping students read at grade level and beyond.
Nonprofit Prepares Educators to Teach Science of Reading
Capitol Press Room | February 5, 2026
Maria Murray, CEO of The Reading League, and Stephanie Finn, literacy coach for the West Genesee School District and chair of the Reading League, discussed ongoing efforts to equip educators with science-aligned instruction techniques.
How can the ‘science of reading’ change Syracuse schools?
LocalSYR | January 28, 2026
As districts nationwide address literacy challenges, the Syracuse City School District has invested in expert-led guidance to strengthen reading instruction, including work with The Reading League.
Dallas County Education Leaders Collaborate On Early Literacy At National Conference With Commit’s Support
Commit Partnership | January 21, 2026
Dallas County Early Learning Community of Practice leaders joined educators at The Reading League’s 9th Annual Conference in Chicago with support from Commit.
Company news: Soledad Calvino hired by The Reading League
Syracuse.com | January 13, 2026
The Reading League has hired Soledad Calvino as director of public relations. In this role, she will lead national media strategy and public relations efforts to amplify the organization’s mission and impact.
Podcast: Let’s talk about reading
Central Current | December 4, 2025
Dr. Maria Murray and Laurie Black discuss the relationship between literacy and poverty, the resources available in Onondaga County for parents and children, the Book Buddies program, and ways to improve your own child’s reading development.
Media
The Reading League collaborates with school systems nationwide to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to teach every student effectively using proven reading instruction methods. Media outlets across the country frequently highlight our efforts. By sharing our story and showcasing our impact, we aim to garner support for our mission, accelerating the spread of the science of reading.
For all media requests, please contact Soledad Calvino, Public Relations Director, media@thereadingleague.org or 315-362-2378.