At AIM Institute, we believe that achieving literacy success requires a collective effort. That’s why we work closely with state departments of education to offer professional learning opportunities that empower educators to make a real difference in the classroom. Our partnerships with states like Mississippi, Arizona, and Rhode Island are transforming the literacy landscape by providing teachers with the tools they need to enhance their literacy instruction.
In 2011, Mississippi was facing a literacy crisis. Nearly four out of five fourth graders scored below proficient on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (ExcelinEd) However, the state took decisive action with its Literacy-Based Promotion Act (LBPA) in 2013, which places an emphasis on grade-level reading skills, particularly as students progress through grades K-3.
Mississippi’s efforts have paid off. The state went from being ranked the second-worst in the nation for fourth-grade reading in 2013 to an impressive 21st in 2022 (PBS). This remarkable turnaround, which Mississippi educators refer to as the Mississippi Marathon, has served as a national example of how early literacy policies can create meaningful change.
Today, AIM Institute is proud to partner with Mississippi on its journey to improve literacy outcomes. Through state-funded initiatives over the past three years, Mississippi educators have access to six different AIM Pathways courses, including foundational and advanced training that all focus on translating professional learning into effective classroom practice. This alignment with Mississippi’s commitment to professional learning and real-world application continues to drive improvements in reading outcomes across the state.
Arizona has taken great strides to enhance literacy instruction by offering AIM Pathways courses to its educators. Tianna Sanchez, Director of K-12 ELA & MOWR at the Arizona Department of Education, shared her thoughts on the impact of these courses:
“The Arizona Department of Education is pleased to provide Pathways to Proficient Reading and Pathways to Structured Literacy to Arizona educators. The courses provide teachers with content knowledge proven by science about how students learn to read and are aligned to the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. The Arizona Department of Education, along with AIM Institute, is committed to educational excellence through professional development in the field of literacy to achieve better outcomes for all students.”
AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading and Pathways to Structured Literacy coursework fulfill Arizona's requirements for the state's K-5 Literacy Endorsement, Dyslexia Training Designee, and Early Childhood Education and Elementary Certification Deficiencies.
In Rhode Island, AIM Pathways has made a substantial impact. The Rhode Island Department of Education recognized Richmond Elementary School, an AIM Pathways partner, as a "RICAS Rockstar" for their students' 13% gain on the state ELA assessment. This success is part of a broader partnership between AIM Institute and the Rhode Island Department of Education, which includes working with over 30 school districts and training 93 educators in the Chariho School District. The Chariho superintendent, Richmond's principal, and teachers have praised the impact of AIM’s evidence-based training on their instructional practices.
Through our philanthropic partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Ibis Group, AIM Institute offers free professional learning to educators across the state. As part of this four-year partnership, AIM will provide Pathways to Literacy Leadership instruction to 4,000 school leaders and district literacy supervisors and provide 2,000 secondary educators with Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary training. These courses align with Maryland’s literacy goals and empower educators with practical, evidence-based strategies to implement in their classrooms and across their districts.
Wisconsin is working to ensure all educators receive science-based literacy training by July 1, 2025, as required by Act 20. AIM Institute’s comprehensive Pathways to Proficient Reading course provides the evidence-based content teachers need to meet these requirements. To support Wisconsin educators, AIM has also offered a free webinar featuring Dr. Brady Reinke, focusing on how the Act 20 training requirements for leaders and teachers can help schools and districts meet the state’s literacy standards.
These partnerships are not just about offering courses—they’re about making a tangible difference in literacy instruction nationwide. One of our participants, an ELA teacher from the Boston Public School District, shared their experience after completing the Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary course through a state-funded summer PD partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Education:
"This course has been outstanding in its organization and presentation of how students learn to read. The course offers an exceptional overview of reading development while at the same time breaking down everything from phonemic awareness to expository text structures in well-formulated, accessible modules. I left the course able to knowledgeably discuss the Science of Reading with my colleagues and apply concrete learning strategies directly to my classroom. I can’t imagine a more thorough, well-structured class designed to teach reading proficiency."
Philadelphia’s Lingelbach Elementary School recently transformed its approach to literacy instruction by shifting from a balanced literacy model to the Science of Reading. After completing AIM Pathways training, teachers and administrators embraced structured literacy practices, recognizing the importance of teaching foundational skills like phonics systematically. This change, supported by AIM’s evidence-based professional learning, marked a turning point for the school. The results have been remarkable. The percentage of third graders passing state English exams soared 173%—from 26% to 71%.
The Path Forward
The results speak for themselves. Through these partnerships, educators are gaining valuable knowledge and skills needed to support their students more effectively. As states continue to prioritize literacy, AIM Institute is committed to aligning policy, literacy research, and classroom practice, ensuring that educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to make a lasting impact.
For states looking to structure their literacy initiatives, ExcelinEd’s Comprehensive Early Literacy Policy offers a valuable resource. This toolkit outlines how states can implement literacy policies that support students, teachers, and parents through evidence-based practices. AIM’s success in helping states like Mississippi improve literacy outcomes demonstrates how structured policies and targeted professional learning can create lasting growth.
If you’re a state leader looking to improve literacy outcomes in your region, consider partnering with AIM Institute. Together, we can ensure that every educator has the support and training they need to help all students succeed in reading and writing.
About AIM Institute: The AIM Institute for Learning & Research® is a non-profit center for educational excellence and professional development, providing educators with the latest research, technology, and evidence-based practices in the fields of literacy and language-based learning disabilities.