ROOTS of Learning™
Strong readers grow from strong ROOTS.
ROOTS of Learning™ is The Reading Alliance’s evidence-based professional development program designed for early childhood educators working in PreK–3rd grade. Built around the Science of Reading and the Big 5 of Early Literacy, the ROOTS framework equips teachers with practical tools to cultivate confident, capable, and joyful readers.
🌱 What Is ROOTS of Learning™?
ROOTS of Learning™ is an educator-centered framework that strengthens the foundation of early literacy by aligning academic, emotional, and instructional growth.
Developed by The Reading Alliance (TRA), ROOTS integrates Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) with trauma-informed, culturally responsive teaching. The framework supports both teacher practice and student outcomesby nurturing the core predictors of reading success—phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, oral language, vocabulary, and comprehension.
ROOTS doesn’t just prepare children to read—it prepares them to believe, persist, and thrive.
The Meaning of ROOTS.
At the heart of this model are five guiding principles—each representing a core condition children need to grow into strong, confident readers:
R — Resilience: Literacy growth requires perseverance. ROOTS fosters environments where mistakes are part of learning and persistence leads to mastery.
O — Opportunity: Every child deserves equitable access to high-quality instruction. ROOTS empowers educators to create opportunities for exploration, questioning, and success—regardless of background or circumstance.
O — Observation: Teachers, mentors, and families play a critical role in noticing and responding to each learner’s unique needs. ROOTS builds educator capacity to make instruction responsive, intentional, and data-informed.
T — Training: Reading skills develop through meaningful, hands-on practice. ROOTS emphasizes guided reading, interactive activities, and repetition grounded in the Science of Reading.
S — Self-Belief: Confidence drives achievement. ROOTS nurtures positive identity, affirming every child’s sense of capability and intellectual worth.
The Big 5 of Early Literacy
ROOTS of Learning™ directly supports the five pillars of early literacy recognized by national research and state standards:
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Phonemic Awareness – Understanding and manipulating sounds in spoken words.
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Alphabet Knowledge – Recognizing letters and their corresponding sounds.
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Language – Developing oral expression, listening comprehension, and syntax.
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Vocabulary – Building word meaning and concept knowledge.
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Comprehension – Making meaning through conversation, storytelling, and text interaction.
Together, these five elements form the measurable outcomes of the ROOTS framework—what we call Early Literacy Indicators.
How ROOTS Works
ROOTS of Learning™ blends professional learning, observation, and implementation support for educators in early learning settings.
Each training cycle includes:
Interactive PD sessions – Practical strategies grounded in the Science of Reading.
Classroom modeling & coaching – Real-time support for instructional alignment.
Observation tools – Data-based insights for differentiated instruction.
Reflective practice & community – Space for educator growth and collaboration.
When teachers grow the ROOTS, students grow the confidence to read, think, and lead.
Implementation Pathways
ROOTS of Learning™ can be implemented through:
District or Schoolwide Rollout – Aligns MTSS and early literacy frameworks.
PreK–3rd Grade Classrooms – Core instruction or Tier I enhancement.
Targeted Intervention Programs – Strengthens Tier II and Tier III literacy support.
Community-Based Settings – Supports childcare centers, microschools, and afterschool programs.
Each implementation includes coaching, observation rubrics, and fidelity measures that ensure consistent outcomes across classrooms.
Outcomes and Impact
Educators participating in ROOTS of Learning™ report:
Measurable growth in student literacy indicators within 8–10 weeks.
Higher instructional confidence and clarity in Science of Reading alignment.
Increased family engagement and cross-grade collaboration.
Stronger social-emotional readiness among early learners.
Districts implementing ROOTS consistently see improved reading readiness scores, lower retention rates, and greater instructional coherence across grade levels.
Join a ROOTS of Learning Training
ROOTS of Learning™ training is open to educators, coaches, and administrators committed to advancing early literacy outcomes.
Available Formats:
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1-Day Foundation Workshop – Overview of the ROOTS Framework
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3-Part Training Series – Deep dives into each principle and early literacy pillar
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District Cohort Implementation – Coaching, fidelity checks, and data review cycles
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ROOTS Certification Pathway – Earn TRA recognition as a Certified ROOTS Educator
The Reading Alliance™ — Advancing Literacy, Empowering Educators, and Building America’s Reading Future.