Spotlighting Structured Literacy through SPEL

The Success for PA Early Learners (SPEL) grant continues the state’s commitment to evidence-based reading instruction grounded in the science of reading and structured literacy. Designed to strengthen early literacy outcomes statewide, SPEL provides funding, training, implementation support, and coaching.

A central feature of the grant is the adoption of Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI), an evidence-based, structured approach that intensifies Tier 1 instruction and provides aligned Tier 2 and 3 interventions. ECRI offers clear, efficient routines for phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, ensuring instructional consistency across classrooms and accelerating skill acquisition for students who need additional support.

Through the SPEL Grant, participating sites receive professional learning, coaching, and implementation tools that help educators deliver ECRI with fidelity. This includes lesson templates, in-classroom coaching, modeling videos, data-based decision-making supports, and guidance for integrating ECRI within an MTSS framework. Early feedback from Pennsylvania schools indicates improved instructional consistency, stronger foundational skills instruction, and increased confidence among teachers implementing structured literacy practices.

SPEL is using ECRI routines to offer a clear pathway to building sustainable, high-quality literacy systems that support every learner!

To learn more about this grant, visit the SPEL website. Visit the ECRI Introduction webpage to learn more about ECRI overlays and to watch an ECRI Tier 2 small group lesson. SPEL is funded by a State Personnel Development Grant through the federal Office of Special Education Programs.