The recent recognition of Park City School District by the State Board of Education with its District Leader Science of Reading Award is a moment worth celebrating.
The award honors districts that have demonstrated excellence in implementing research-based literacy instruction, supporting educators and building systems that help all students become successful readers.
Our school district leaders and teachers deserve tremendous credit for this achievement and their continued commitment to improving literacy skills. This award truly reflects a decade of collaboration among community advocates, educators and families who believe that every child deserves access to instruction grounded in the science of reading, which supports all students’ learning and is especially critical for those with dyslexia.
PC READS, the local nonprofit that “recognizes, educates and advocates for dyslexic students,” is proud to have been a catalyst for literacy reform in Summit County since 2014.
In 2016, a partnership among PC READS, the Park City Education Foundation and school district piloted Wilson Fundations, a structured literacy program grounded in the science of how children learn to read. The pilot included Orton-Gillingham training to build expertise in explicit, systematic instruction.
By 2017, fundations had expanded to every K–3 classroom. At a time when many districts across the country were still debating literacy approaches, Park City was already investing in the evidence-based practices that underpin today’s Science of Reading movement.
The Park City School District has continued to strengthen its approach through adoption of new curricula materials from The 95 Percent Group and Great Minds, continuing LETRS training, and supporting dedicated literacy leadership — all priorities PC READS has championed for more than a decade.
PC READS knows that curriculum alone does not change outcomes. Teachers do.
Understanding that reality, PC READS also invested heavily in professional learning for all of Summit County. Through grants and partnerships, educators were provided opportunities to deepen their understanding of the science of reading and structured literacy.
Over 60 professional development grants have been awarded by PC READS to Summit County educators, including classroom teachers, interventionists and local tutors.
PC READS has also hosted some of the nation’s most respected literacy experts, including Louisa Moats, Margie Gillis, Brent Conway, Nancy Redding, and Barbara Wilson. Their in-person presentations and workshops have built local expertise and reinforced a culture of continuous learning among educators.
These efforts created something powerful: a community-wide commitment to literacy grounded in research rather than trends. Together, these efforts support all students, including those with reading challenges and disabilities, in becoming confident, successful readers.
To PC READS, this award is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy to create lasting change. PC READS is proud to have initiated a conversation that has become a community priority.
This recognition underscores what is possible when educators, leaders, and community partners work together to ensure every child learns to read. Across Summit County, literacy leaders are embracing evidence-based instruction, teachers are learning new practices, and a shared vision for literacy grounded in the science of reading has taken root throughout the community.
PC READS remains committed to advancing this work so that every student, including those identified with dyslexia, has the skills, support and opportunities needed to become a confident, proficient reader. We are deeply grateful to the partnerships, grantors and donors whose ongoing support sustains this work.
Our community should be proud of the collective commitment and generosity that are making evidence-based literacy instruction and reading success more accessible to every student.
Elissa Aten is the founder and executive director of PC READS.