Too many students reach middle and high school still struggling to read. And too often, the teachers and leaders who care deeply about them are left without the tools they need to help. It’s easy to mislabel reading challenges in adolescence as motivation issues or lack of effort. But behind every struggling reader is often a story of missed diagnosis, of skills never fully built, of growing up without the confidence that reading is for them.

At Lit, we believe it’s not too late. It’s never too late. And that’s why we’ve created a new resource: The Knowledge List: Understanding and Supporting Older Readers.

This curated list brings together the research, frameworks, and practical tools leaders need to build a system that actually works for adolescent learners. From decoding thresholds to student agency, the readings offer insight into the unique needs of older students—and the concrete steps leaders can take to meet those needs.

What you’ll find inside:

• Evidence-based guidance for diagnosing reading needs in older students

• Research-backed instructional approaches tailored for middle and high schoolers

• Ideas for designing professional learning that equips teachers with what works

• A blend of short articles, podcasts, and deeper research—perfect for teams with varied entry points

How to use it:
Whether you’re a principal, district leader, or instructional coach, this Knowledge List is designed to spark learning and action. Use it to:

• Build foundational knowledge with your leadership team

• Design PLC cycles or book studies around key articles

• Equip instructional coaches with vetted resources

• Ground decisions in evidence as you refine supports for secondary students

We’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be when leaders engage deeply with the research. Especially when that research centers both the science of reading and the strengths of adolescent learners.

👉 Explore the Knowledge List now!