Trusted Partners in Literacy Since 2007

Accreditations, Partnerships, & Publications

Evidence-Aligned Literacy Solutions

For nearly two decades, Keys to Literacy has partnered with educators, school districts, and state agencies across the country to improve literacy outcomes for all students. Known for our commitment to high-quality, evidence-aligned professional development, we’ve earned national recognition for our impact, approach, expertise, and results. Our work spans the full spectrum of effective literacy instruction, including the Science of Reading, adolescent literacy, evidence-based writing practices, and leadership development—empowering educators with the knowledge and tools to support every learner.

Keys to Literacy offers a comprehensive, research-backed solution for sustainable literacy improvement. Our approach integrates evidence-based instruction with the systems, structures, and leadership practices needed to create equitable and effective learning environments. We focus on building educator capacity and aligning school-wide practices to ensure that literacy instruction is not only impactful but also scalable and lasting across all levels of a school or district.

Keys to Literacy is a Trusted Partner

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Accreditations

Keys to Literacy is recognized by IDA, NCTQ, and The Reading League. Our courses and resources meet rigorous standards, affirming our leadership in evidence-based literacy training and support for educators at all grade levels.

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Partnerships

Keys to Literacy has collaborated with hundreds of schools and districts, as well as more than 15 state departments of education, to support the implementation of science-based literacy initiatives grounded in evidence-based practices.

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Publications

Our widely respected books and resources translate research into practical strategies, empowering educators with real-world tools to enhance literacy instruction and improve student outcomes nationwide.

Accreditations & Professional Affiliations

International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accreditation

We are proud that our Keys to Beginning Reading course has earned accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA)—a distinction that reflects the quality, depth, and alignment of our training with best practices in literacy instruction. The IDA Accreditation Program rigorously reviews educator preparation courses to ensure they are aligned with the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS). Educators who complete an IDA-accredited course are assured that the content reflects a Structured Literacy approach—systematic, explicit, and diagnostic instruction that integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Developed by Joan Sedita, a nationally recognized literacy expert and author, Keys to Beginning Reading offers educators a deep, practical foundation in evidence-based reading instruction designed to support all learners, including those with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

Joan Sedita’s Writing Rope framework is featured by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) as a nationally recognized model for understanding the multiple, interconnected components essential to skilled writing.

Recommended in the National Council on Teacher Quality’s (NCTQ) Action Guide

Keys to Literacy is highlighted in the National Council on Teacher Quality’s Four Pillars to Reading Success Action Guide, a trusted resource for educator preparation programs seeking to align coursework with the Science of Reading. Our inclusion affirms the strength of our approach to professional development and underscores our alignment with national best practices in reading instruction.

Keys to Literacy is honored to be featured in the National Council on Teacher Quality’s (NCTQ) Four Pillars to Reading Success: An Action Guide for States. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for states aiming to enhance reading outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices across four critical areas:

Teacher Preparation: Ensuring educator preparation programs equip teachers with essential knowledge in reading instruction.
Assessment Tools: Recommending effective tools for assessing students’ reading skills.
Instructional Materials: Evaluating and recommending high-quality instructional materials.
Professional Development: Providing resources for districts to offer external support to classroom teachers.

Our inclusion in this guide underscores our commitment to these pillars and affirms the strength of our approach to professional development. It highlights our alignment with national best practices in reading instruction, particularly our emphasis on the Science of Reading, evidence-based writing instruction, and comprehensive literacy support across all grade levels.

The Reading League Compass

Keys to Literacy is proud to be a recommended professional development resource in The Reading League Compass: Providing Direction. The Reading League Compass offers trusted, evidence-based guidance for educators and leaders navigating the complex Science of Reading landscape. With its rigorous criteria, the Compass ensures that recommended resources, like ours, align with the scientific evidence base, helping educators avoid misleading practices and implement effective, research-backed literacy instruction.

Keys to Literacy is prominently featured across The Reading League’s adolescent literacy site, where we are recognized as a trusted resource and professional development provider. Our extensive collection of webinars, blogs, and articles addresses critical literacy challenges for students in grades 5-12, covering key topics such as writing instruction, vocabulary development, reading interventions, and culturally responsive literacy practices. As a go-to resource for adolescent literacy, we offer educators the tools and guidance they need to effectively support older learners.

Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, plays a key role as a contributor and advisor to The Reading League’s adolescent literacy resources. Notably, she is a lead contributor to the Adolescent Reading Intervention Evaluation Guidelines (Grades 4-12). This essential resource, developed in partnership with leading researchers and experts in adolescent literacy, offers critical guidance on supporting students’ reading needs while ensuring access to rigorous, grade-level content.

In addition, Joan has been a member of The Reading League Journal’s Practitioner Editorial Board since its inception.

“Keys to Literacy truly jump started and redefined the way we teach writing at Cawley Middle School. Our teachers have a common and consistent vocabulary that is shared across grade levels. Keys to Literacy has been instrumental in working with our teachers to design authentic writing experiences for our students. As a result of our work with Keys to Literacy we now have a structure in place with clear expectations for teaching writing.”

— Matt Benson, Principal, Cawley Middle School, Hooksett, NH

“We have had a wonderful experience working with KTL. It’s great to have such an engaged think partner when developing high quality PD for educators. From the planning to the delivery, they are organized, committed and are very well received by teachers.”

— Lori Gallivan, Executive Director Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability, Saugus, MA

“Keys to Literacy epitomizes the high quality service provider. They are innovative, strategic, consistent in keeping up with the latest research-based instructional practices, and consummate professionals who tailor their work to the needs of your district. By far, they are one of the best PD providers I have worked with over the past ten years.”

— Rashaun J. Martin, Social Studies Supervisor, Haverhill Public Schools, MA

“KTL Comprehension is changing the way Burlington teachers are instructing their students. It has brought much-needed consistency to the strategies teachers in grades 6-12 are using in their own content curriculum in all secondary grades. The trainers are knowledgable, energetic, and fun. Most importantly, our teachers are finding the strategies presented to them useful and beneficial to all students.”

— Renee Sacco, District Literacy Coach, Burlington, MA

“Keys to Literacy PD gets rave reviews from our teachers. The best thing about it is that the strategies the teachers are learning can be used in any grade and any discipline.”

— Patrick Larkin, Assistant Superintendent for Learning, Burlington Public Schools, MA

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Our district has been working with the Keys to Literacy team for the past several years. Their approachable, highly knowledgeable presenters utilized an interactive and real-world presentation style that won over staff trust. One area that we found highly valuable was receiving research-based strategies that could be used across all content areas. The strategies are simple and effective. The books received for the sessions summarize the very best strategies for reading and learning for all students. It is clearly one of the best PD providers I have ever worked with.

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— Dr. Maria Hoffmaster, Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum and Instruction, Poland Local Schools

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Why Keys to Literacy – Partnerships

Keys to Literacy has been a trusted partner to state departments of education across the country, supporting large-scale, state-led literacy initiatives that are grounded in the Science of Reading and aligned with evidence-based instructional practices. We have been selected as an approved provider for state-specific projects, having successfully undergone rigorous vetting processes to support initiatives in more than 15 states (some as the exclusive provider) —and growing. This level of trust reflects our reputation for delivering high-quality, evidence-aligned professional development and coaching tailored to each state’s priorities and standards. As a recognized and reliable partner, we support statewide efforts to strengthen literacy instruction, build educator capacity, and improve outcomes for all students.

Keys to Literacy founder, Joan Sedita, is the creator of The Writing Rope framework for writing instruction and the author of a book published by Brookes Publishing titled The Writing Rope: A Framework for Explicit Writing Instruction in All Subjects.

It’s Possible! A Leadership Plan for Implementing Quality Reading Instruction and Ensuring Literacy for All

This instructional routine teaches students skills that support content writing in any subject area. During professional development, educators learn instructional practices that address state writing standards, including frequent writing in all subject areas that includes short and longer writing tasks. Adoption of Keys to Content Writing across multiple grade levels in a school or district provides students a consistent approach to writing instruction as they move from grade to grade and subject to subject. There are several professional development options for this course: live training and asynchronous or facilitated online course.

This instructional routine teaches students vocabulary and vocabulary learning strategies in any subject area. During professional development, educators learn how to teach vocabulary using existing content reading and instructional materials. Adoption of The Key Vocabulary Routine across multiple grade levels in a school or district provides students a consistent approach to vocabulary instruction as they move from grade to grade and subject to subject. Appropriate for grades 3-12 educators. There are multiple options for this professional development course: live training, asynchronous online course, facilitated online course, guided book study.

This instructional routine teaches students a foundational set of comprehension strategies that support listening and reading comprehension in any subject area. During professional development, educators learn how to teach strategies using existing content reading and instructional materials. Adoption of The Key Comprehension Routine across multiple grade levels in a school or district provides students a consistent approach to comprehension instruction as they move from grade to grade and subject to subject. Appropriate for grades 4-12 educators. There are multiple professional development options for this course: live training, asynchronous online course, facilitated course, guided book study.

The Keys to Early Writing book is organized into chapters that reflect the modules topics covered in professional development. The book includes an introduction to writing instruction, details about each instructional practice, classroom examples, and professional learning activities. There are also reproducible templates. Softcover, 226 pages.

Our Publications

Keys to Literacy has authored numerous professional publications that reflect our expertise, experience, and practical approach to literacy instruction. These publications have become essential resources for educators and educational leaders, thanks to our deep knowledge of the field and our commitment to providing actionable strategies. As leaders in literacy education, our books not only address research-based approaches but also offer real-world solutions that empower educators to improve student outcomes. Our publications serve as a testament to our experience and leadership in advancing literacy instruction nationwide.

Contact our team to learn how we can partner together in your district!

We offer a range of services including PreK-12 evidence-aligned professional development and coaching for educators; comprehensive literacy audits and literacy leadership coaching; and partnerships with institutions of higher education. Together we can help you create the knowledge, systems, and structures required to support critical literacy work.

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