The Hidden Literacy Risk Facing Charter Schools—and How Leaders Are Responding

Julia Rivard Dexter, Founder & CEO, Shoelace Learning

Charter schools in Michigan and around the country operate in high-accountability environments. But many leaders face a growing challenge: how to demonstrate real literacy growth within a single year.

The Risk

Annual assessments often mask a deeper issue: inconsistent literacy growth in grades 4–9. Without clear, sustained progress, even strong schools face tough renewal conversations if they do not meet desired learning outcomes. And parents who chose the charter option for their kids based on a promise of better education are looking for other options.

But we know the barrier isn’t the curriculum. It’s engagement. If students don’t read consistently, they won’t improve—no matter how much is spent or what tools we use.

We are seeing a shift. Leading schools are requiring more from vendors. They are demanding thoughtful partnerships that guarantee outcomes by collaborating on implementation. At the same time, they are discontinuing initiatives and programs that aren't effective.

There's A New Model

Not another program—a done-for-you partnership where we co-design:

• Rapid implementation

• Minimal teacher lift

• Measurable improvements to student results in one term

• A shift in teacher and student culture around reading

Read more about the performance risks and what's being done to solve them in this article.

Invitation

We’re partnering with select charter leaders this spring to deliver fast, visible literacy gains.

If you want stronger outcomes—and to hear how you can have a stronger performance story—let’s connect.