Strengthen K–3 Reading Instruction Without Overwhelming Your Teachers

A clear, evidence-based framework that helps schools focus on the reading practices that make the greatest difference—so more students become proficient readers.

For K–3 schools and districts ready to strengthen reading outcomes without adopting another program or initiative.

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The Problem:

Tier 1 Reading Instruction That Looks Busy, But Isn’t Moving the Data

 

 

Most K–2 reading blocks are full...
but not always effective.


When Tier 1 is weak or inconsistent,
administrators see it everywhere:

✔ Too many K–2 students not meeting benchmarks in phonemic awareness and decoding

âś” Instruction that varies wildly from classroom to classroom

✔ Teachers overwhelmed by curriculum, “Science of Reading” talk, and conflicting resources

âś” Lots of time spent on routines that feel productive but have little impact on actual reading growth

✔ Rising numbers of students pushed into Tier 2 and Tier 3 because Tier 1 isn’t doing the heavy lifting

 

And the biggest red flag:

By grade 3, too many students are still “learning to read” instead of ready to “read to learn."

The Teach What Works™ Framework

 

The Teach What Works™ Framework is a two-phase, Tier 1 literacy framework designed to help schools strengthen reading instruction by focusing only on the evidence-based practices shown to make the greatest difference in student reading outcomes.

Rather than adding new programs or overwhelming teachers with theory, this framework helps schools make better use of what they already have by tightening instruction where it matters most.

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How the Framework Works

PHASE 1

Cracking the Code of Reading (Learning to Read)

Focus: Phonemic Awareness & Phonics

This phase strengthens the foundational skills students need to become accurate decoders.

Teachers are supported to:

  • Prioritize the most effective Tier 1 phonemic awareness and phonics practices

  • Implement systematic, explicit routines using the curriculum and resources they already have

  • Strengthen instruction through observation and coaching focused on daily classroom practice

PHASE 2

Making Sense of Reading

(Reading to Learn)

Focus: Fluency, Vocabulary & Comprehension

This phase helps students move beyond decoding to fluent, meaningful reading.

Teachers are supported to:

  • Prioritize what matters most in Tier 1 fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instruction

  • Implement clear, evidence-based routines that support reading for meaning within existing curriculum

  • Strengthen daily classroom practice through observation and coaching focused on fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension

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What Makes This Framework Different

✔ Focuses only on practices with the strongest research base
✔ Strengthens Tier 1 instruction—no new curriculum required
âś” Reduces initiative fatigue by narrowing the focus
âś” Supports implementation through PD, observation, and coaching
âś” Builds consistency across classrooms
âś” Keeps teacher capacity and sustainability front and center

This is not about doing more.
It’s about doing what works—well and consistently.

 

What Schools Can Expect

Through this work, schools can expect to see:

  • Clearer Tier 1 reading instruction across classrooms

  • Increased teacher confidence and instructional consistency

  • Stronger foundational reading skills

  • Improved fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension

  • Measurable growth in student reading outcomes

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Who This Is For

 Designed for elementary schools  that are committed to improving reading outcomes

  • Elementary schools (K–3)

  • School leaders seeking Tier 1 literacy improvement

  • Districts looking for research-aligned, sustainable reading support

  • Schools not interested in “one more initiative”

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Let's Talk 

If you’re ready to strengthen Tier 1 reading instruction in a way that is clear, practical, and sustainable, let’s start with a conversation.

Schedule a call to discuss your school’s reading goals

Here is what teachers are saying...

 

"It is easy to see that Dr. Caesar is a wealth of knowledge"

 

 "Dr. Caesar is so amazing! She is so knowledgeable about reading. She is also a very encouraging and inspirational person."

 

"Dr Caesar was fantastic. She was super helpful and understanding."