Evidence-Based Literacy, From Research to Classroom Impact
Explore a body of work focused on what works in literacy and special education. From emergent literacy and decoding to MTSS, RTI, and phonological awareness, these publications translate rigorous research into practical guidance for educators and leaders serving diverse learners.
“When evidence guides policy and teachers are equipped to act on it, literacy outcomes change—at every level of the system.”
Literacy Science Research and Reports
Promising Interventions for Promoting Emergent Literacy Skills: Three Evidence-Based Approaches
The Complex Nature of Reading Fluency: A Multidimensional View
A Tiered Intervention Model for Early Vocabulary Instruction: The Effects of Tiered Instruction for Young Students At Risk for Reading Disability
Effects of Explicit Instruction on Decoding of Struggling First Grade Students: A Data-Based Case Study
Handbook of Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning — Literacy Matrix Annual Report
Teaching Reading Sourcebook
A comprehensive, research-based guide for educators on effective reading instruction, grounded in the science of reading. This book covers the five essential components of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and provides step-by-step lesson models, research summaries, and practical strategies for diverse learners. The third edition includes a new section on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), helping educators tailor instruction to meet all students’ needs.
Intended Readers: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Leaders
Special Education: What it is and why We Need it
A foundational guide defining special education as specially designed instruction for students with disabilities. This book explains core concepts, addresses common misconceptions, and demonstrates the necessity of special education by outlining its purpose: delivering research-based, systematic instruction that meets students’ unique needs and promotes independence and success.
Intended Readers: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Leaders
Exceptional Learners: Introduction to Special Education
A comprehensive introduction to special education, this book explores the characteristics of students with disabilities and giftedness, current research, and evidence-based classroom practices. Integrating psychological, sociological, and medical perspectives, it provides practical guidance for general and special educators. Updated across editions, it reflects new research, changes in federal law (including RTI and MTSS), and updated diagnostic criteria.
Intended Readers: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Leaders
Phonological Awareness Assessment and Instruction: A Sound Beginning
This hands-on guide provides tools to assess and develop phonological awareness at the word, syllable, onset-rime, and phoneme levels. It offers corresponding activities to enhance students’ awareness, along with research summaries explaining the connection between phonological awareness and reading success. Designed for classrooms from preschool through second grade, the book includes guidance for collecting data to monitor student progress
Intended Readers: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Leaders
Handbook of Special Education
A comprehensive resource on educating exceptional children, this handbook integrates research, identifies trends and gaps, and discusses implications for practice and future study. Chapters follow a consistent structure covering definitions, causal factors, characteristics, assessment, educational programming, and trends. The third edition has been updated to reflect recent developments and current research, while remaining accessible to educators, graduate students, and scholars.
Intended Readers: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Leaders
Students with Learning Disabilities
This text offers a thorough, research-based overview of learning disabilities, covering definitions, characteristics, causes, assessment, and intervention strategies. It presents a balanced approach across educational, medical, and psychological perspectives, helping educators develop informed practices. The seventh edition incorporates the latest research and trends, providing practical guidance to support students’ success in today’s classrooms.
Intended Readers: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Leaders
Teaching Students with Learning Problems
A comprehensive, practical guide for teachers, this text provides classroom-tested strategies, activities, and resources for students with learning or behavior problems. It covers behavior management, affective interventions, and Response to Intervention (RTI) aligned with IDEA 2004, helping educators identify student needs and choose effective teaching techniques. The eighth edition remains a top resource for practical, evidence-based instruction across all content areas.
Intended Readers: Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Leaders
From Research to Instructional Practice
Dr. Pullen’s work focuses on translating literacy research into instructional decisions teachers can make in real time. As Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer of Mindset CoPilot™, she helped design a practice-based professional learning system that strengthens instructional judgment through deliberate practice, feedback, and reflection.
Grounded in literacy, learning, and instructional science, this work emphasizes evidence-aligned teaching moves that respond to student needs in the moment. These research principles also inform Literacy Mindset™, a digital tool designed to extend practice, reflection, and feedback beyond in-person learning.