Latest episodes spotlight proven schoolwide improvement model that’s helping students achieve significant and lasting literacy gains
BALTIMORE, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Success for All Foundation (SFA), a leader in evidence-based school improvement and literacy instruction, was featured in the latest episodes of Emily Hanford’s widely respected Sold a Story podcast. The episodes highlight how SFA’s proven, evidence-based model improves outcomes regardless of background or circumstances.
Emily Hanford, a senior correspondent at American Public Media, is known for her investigative work on reading education and the science behind effective literacy instruction. Her podcast, Sold a Story, examined how flawed reading instruction methods failed millions of students by ignoring the science of reading. The series sparked a nationwide conversation, prompting educators, policymakers, and parents to demand evidence-based literacy instruction, including structured phonics programs. Its impact has driven legislative changes, curriculum overhauls, and a broader shift toward research-backed reading practices in schools across the U.S.
The new episodes underscore SFA’s long-standing alignment with the science of reading—offering a proven solution at a time when many states and districts are rethinking their approach to literacy.
“We’re honored that Sold a Story is shining a light on Steubenville’s success and on SFA’s decades of research-backed practice,” said Julie Wible, CEO at Success for All. “These new episodes highlight what we know through evidence is true: a comprehensive, system-wide model—not just another reading program—can transform outcomes for every child.“
A whole-school improvement model
SFA’s cohesive framework integrates:
- Evidence-based phonics and reading instruction grounded in decades of cognitive research.
- Ongoing assessment and real-time intervention to identify gaps before students fall behind.
- Cooperative learning and structured practice maximizes student engagement and fluency.
- Dedicated coaching and professional development equips teachers with the skills, tools, and confidence they need.
- Robust family and community engagement ensures every child’s success is a shared priority.
Proven impact, backed by independent research
Success for All is one of the only two whole-school reform models ever proven effective through rigorous, large-scale studies. Recent coverage in Sold a Story highlights how SFA’s system of prevention over remediation drives measurable gains in reading achievement, reduces special education referrals, and fosters a culture of literacy in schools nationwide.
“These episodes show that true success isn’t about swapping one reading program for another,” said Nancy Madden, Co-founder of SFA. “It’s about building a system that supports teachers, holds high expectations for all students, and aligns every resource around effective instruction.”
Amidst evolving state lists and ‘Science of Reading’ policies
The final Sold a Story episodes also examine state-approved reading lists and the challenges schools face when choosing new curricula. Despite its strong evidence base, SFA’s journey to recognition underscores the limitations of checklist-based approval processes and the importance of looking at real-world outcomes.
About Success for All
Founded by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the Success for All Foundation has partnered with schools for more than 40 years to ensure that every child—regardless of background—becomes a confident, capable reader. SFA’s comprehensive model has been implemented in thousands of schools, consistently demonstrating substantial and lasting improvements in literacy rates, attendance, and overall school culture.
Learn More
- Listen to the final episodes of Sold a Story: Episode 11, The Outlier; Episode 12, The Evidence; Episode 13, The List
- Discover how SFA can transform literacy in your district: https://www.successforall.org/sfa-on-sold-a-story/
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SOURCE Success for All Foundation
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