#13: How to Handle Admin Pushback on Science of Reading
Imagine this: You’ve spent hours researching the Science of Reading (SOR), attending professional development sessions, and seeing firsthand how it transforms student learning. But when you bring these evidence-based strategies into your classroom, your administrator isn’t on board. Instead of encouragement, you get pushback—maybe even outright resistance.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many educators are facing similar roadblocks as they work to align their instruction with research-backed literacy practices. The good news? There are practical steps you can take to navigate admin pushback and continue making a difference in your students’ reading growth.
Focus on What You Can Control
It’s natural to feel frustrated when your leadership doesn’t support SOR, but the key is to focus your energy on what you CAN control.
- Assess and Differentiate: Use assessments to pinpoint your students’ needs and provide targeted instruction, even if it’s not a school-wide initiative.
- Implement High-Impact Strategies: You don’t need permission to incorporate small-group phonics instruction, decodable texts, or systematic phonemic awareness activities.
- Document Student Progress: Keep records of your students’ reading growth using SOR-aligned practices. The results will speak for themselves.
Use Data to Make Your Case
Administrators value results. When they see student success, they are more likely to reconsider their stance on SOR. Here’s how you can use data to advocate for change:
- Track Student Growth: Maintain a record of reading assessments and progress over time.
- Compare Across Classrooms: If other teachers are also implementing SOR strategies, compare student achievement data with those using alternative methods.
- Present Findings Professionally: Schedule a meeting or share insights in a professional learning community (PLC) setting.
When admin sees that SOR-aligned classrooms produce stronger reading outcomes, they may start paying attention.
Suggest a Science of Reading Book for Staff
If your school hosts a staff book club or summer reading program, this is a great opportunity to introduce SOR. Recommend books like:
- The Science of Reading in Action by Malia Hollowell
- Reach All Readers by Anna Geiger
- Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins & Kari Yates
- The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler
- Equipped for Reading Success by David Kilpatrick
A well-chosen book can spark productive discussions and shift perspectives over time.
Gather a Group of Advocates
There’s power in numbers. If other teachers in your building support SOR, work together to build momentum:
- Host informal study groups on SOR topics.
- Share student success stories and lesson ideas.
- Request a meeting with admin as a team to discuss how SOR can benefit the school.
When administrators see that multiple educators are on board, they may be more willing to listen.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover…
- The simple mindset shift that will instantly reduce your teaching stress and anxiety
- How to catch your administrator’s attention without yelling, crying, or reaching out to your superintendent
- What to do if your teammates are frustrated too
Bringing It All Together
Handling admin pushback on Science of Reading can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By focusing on student success, using data, and collaborating with like-minded colleagues, you can create change—even without full admin support.
By taking these steps, you’re not just making a case for SOR—you’re making a difference in your students’ reading success.
And if you’re looking for more support in navigating these challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. Inside The Science of Reading Formula, you’ll find the training, tools, and community you need to feel confident in your instruction—no matter what obstacles stand in your way.
👉 Join the Science of Reading Formula today: scienceofreadingformula.com/enrollment
LINKS
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
WHAT TO LISTEN TO NEXT
Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you’re there, be sure to follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don’t want you to miss out! Follow right here.
