Every child deserves the chance to become a confident, skilled reader, no matter the challenges they may face. At the National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL), we're dedicated to making that possibility a reality.

 

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, NCIL is a partnership led by Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, along with Florida State University and RMC Research Corporation. Together, we serve as a comprehensive national resource center dedicated to advancing evidence-based teaching methods for pre-K through grade 12 students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia.

 

WHAT WE DO

 

NCIL supports families, educators, and education agencies by providing free, practical tools and professional learning grounded in the best available research. Using a multi-tiered approach, we help schools and communities screen, identify, and effectively teach pre-K through grade 12 students with reading difficulties.

 

Here’s how we do it:

 

• We develop and share practical resources. Our team of academic researchers and literacy experts creates a wide range of tools – articles, videos, infographics, and interactive tools – all grounded in the latest evidence and proven results for effective literacy development. These resources are available at no cost to everyone involved in the literacy journey, from families and communities to teachers, schools, and local and state education agencies.
   

• We support families throughout the United States. We provide families with clear, actionable guidance, activities, and insights to strengthen literacy development at home and foster meaningful home-school literacy partnerships.
   

• We train the professionals who teach. Through our Targeted Technical Assistance services, we offer free hands-on consulting and training nationwide – online and in-person – to support educators in addressing complex educational challenges and creating transformative literacy learning environments.  
   

• We share what works. We stay current with the latest research and evidence, and translate it into practical, easy-to-understand resources for families, schools, and agencies across the United States—ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and knowledge they need to improve literacy outcomes.

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WHAT WE MEAN BY "EVIDENCE-BASED" 

 

We use the term evidence-based as defined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This includes four tiers of research support:

 

1. Strong evidence: Supported by at least one well-designed and well-implemented experimental study.
    

2. Moderate evidence: Supported by at least one well-designed and well-implemented quasi-experimental study.
    

3. Promising evidence: Supported by at least one well-designed and well-implemented correlational study.
    

4. Evidence demonstrating rationale: Includes a well-specified logic model informed by research or evaluation, with planned or ongoing study of effects.

 

WHO WE SERVE
 

Our work is for anyone and everyone involved with a child’s literacy journey, including:

 

• Families and caregivers seeking ways to support their child at home.
   

• Teachers and school leaders who want proven methods to improve literacy instruction.
   

• District and state education agencies building systems that support all learners, especially those with reading disabilities.

 

At NCIL, we’re not just offering resources—we’re building a nationwide community of support around evidence-based literacy success.

 

• Want to request targeted, one-on-one support? Send your request here.
   

• Looking for a specific resource? Reach out directly: nciliteracy@gmail.com.
   

• Want to be alerted to our latest resources? Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube, and subscribe to our free newsletter.