Essentials for Reading Success

Welcome to ESSENTIALS FOR READING SUCCESS! To teach reading effectively, it is necessary to understand and use scientifically based reading instruction. ESSENTIALS FOR READING SUCCESS content was designed to provide support to teachers as they deliver scientifically based reading instruction in their classrooms.

ESSENTIALS FOR READING SUCCESS includes information about how to use data from assessments, and incorporate response to intervention, the features of effective instruction (including differentiated instruction), and evidence-based practices to teach the critical components of reading.

Tier 1 instruction includes the critical components of reading:

  • Oral Language
  • Phonological Awareness
  • Phonics
  • Fluency
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension
  • Writing

These critical components need to be taught explicitly in classrooms that

  • are positive and engaging,
  • use writing activities to support literacy, and
  • provide students with many opportunities to read interesting text and complete authentic reading and writing assignments.

Teachers typically follow a core reading curriculum to guide instruction in whole and small group settings. Small group instruction should be differentiated to reflect the instructional needs of the students. Individual student needs are determined by formal screening, progress monitoring assessments, classroom assessments, and teacher observations. The goal is to use information from multiple sources to group students in a way that makes instruction in critical reading skills most efficient. For more information on the content and sequence for delivery see Components of Reading Overview.

The graphic below depicts the process of implementing the content and information in ESSENTIALS FOR READING SUCCESS. Click the graphic for a larger version.


Essentials for Reading Success includes materials that were developed at the Florida Center for Reading Research, as well as links to and descriptions of materials and resources developed by other entities. For materials and resources developed by other entities, users should comply with all guidance and regulations provided by that entity to use their materials. Users should contact those entities directly with any questions about use. For those materials and resources developed by the Florida Center for Reading Research, users may use the materials as long as modifications are not made, the materials will only be used for non-profit educational purposes, and the copyright belong jointly to the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research. These materials may not be used for any commercial purposes. These materials on our site may be linked to but not reposted, reproduced, modified, or copied to other sites. For questions about the use of these materials, please contact The Florida Center for Reading Research at fcrr@fcrr.org.