Oral Language · Phonics · Spelling · Handwriting · Reading · Writing · Science · Social Studies
ROWing Toward Literacy Success
ROW is an integrated curriculum that brings key areas of instruction together like a rowing team. Each oar plays an essential role, but their coordinated effort moves the boat forward. Rather than teaching literacy skills in isolated pillars, ROW intentionally connects them so they work in unison to help students develop strong reading and writing skills.
Early Results
ROW is being developed in close collaboration with an initial set of pilot schools in the Cincinnati metropolitan area to ensure that the program is both evidence-based and classroom-ready.
At our first pilot school (2025-26), kindergarteners made substantial gains in foundational skills measured with Acadience Reading K-6 and language skills.
23
students were in the initial pilot kindergarten class, in a school that is 100% free and reduced-price lunch and 91% English learners.
100%
of kindergarteners reached or exceeded the Acadience Reading Composite benchmark by end of year, up from 39% at baseline.
Acadience Reading Composite Score Growth, BOY to EOY
ROW Instruction
ROW is designed to be implemented through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), with aligned materials for all instructional tiers, so extra support truly reinforces core instruction and never feels like a separate, disconnected program.
CORE COMPONENTS (TIER 1)
Tier 1 instruction is comprised of four connected components that integrate reading, writing, science, social studies, and oral language, providing all students with a solid foundation. Consistent structured literacy routines and active student responding opportunities are woven throughout the day, helping teachers put the best of what we know from learning science into practice.
Reading Launch
Systematic, explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and fluency to provide all students with a strong foundation.
Writing Adventures
Focused time for foundational writing, including letter names and formation; word, sentence, and paragraph writing; grammar and syntax that connects skills learned in Reading Launch & Language Crew and content from Knowledge Navigators.
Knowledge Navigators
Deep exploration of science and social studies content through interactive read-alouds, vocabulary, discussions, shared writing, and hands-on activities.
Language Crew
Purposeful conversation and structured activities lay the foundation for vocabulary, syntax, phonemic awareness, and grammar in meaningful contexts.
TARGETED & INTENSIVE INTERVENTION (TIERS 2 & 3)
Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions are built directly into ROW, providing increasingly intensive support that stays connected to what students are learning in core instruction.
TIER 2
Word Recognition Lift
Provides an additional dose or “second scoop” of explicit phonics instruction, giving students additional practice and support with foundational skills. Built-in mastery monitoring helps teachers identify needs and target instruction where students need it most.
TIER 2
Language
Comprehension Lift
Aligns with topics in Knowledge Navigators; activities include a wordless book routine, oral storytelling, oral narratives, and rereads of authentic children's literature, with a deeper focus on syntax, grammar, and vocabulary.
TIER 3
Oral Language Acquisition Support (OLAS)
Focused, intensive instruction in both word recognition and language comprehension, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, oral language, and writing.
Our Roadmap
ROW is in active research & development. Here is our path to a wider launch.
2025–26
First pilot
Kindergarten pilot in our first school. Early Acadience and CUBED results are in and show strong gains.
2026–27
Expanding the pilot
Piloting PreK through 1st grade across partner schools in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2027–29
Refine and broaden
Adding 2nd grade, deepening the curriculum across grades, and adding additional school partners to help us learn from diverse classrooms, while also seeking approval on state and national lists.
2029–30
Soft launch
ROW becomes available to select partner schools and districts across the country. Interested schools should fill out the interest form below.
Interested in Bringing ROW
to Your School?
If you’re interested in becoming a ROW partner, please share your contact information to receive updates on our progress and opportunities to learn more.
Selected future partners may receive subsidized print materials, professional development, and coaching.
The ROW Team
We are working with leading experts in the Science of Reading, Science of Learning, and Implementation Science, as well as practicing teachers, to ensure that ROW is both evidence-based and classroom-ready.
CORE ROW TEAM
Dr. Amy Murdoch
Chief Advisor & Writer
Dr. Meghan Martin
Lead Language
Dr. Janice Kohler
Director & Lead Reading Launch
Dr. Larissa Phillips
Implementation Specialist
Dr. Tambra Isenberg
Lead Knowledge Navigators
Dr. Carolyn Turner
Implementation Specialist
CORE WRITING TEAM
Dr. Elizabeth Corbo
Writing Adventures
Jim Addison
Knowledge Navigators
Keshia Megie-Thompson
Preschool
Dr. Jamey Peavler
Reading Launch
Korrye Gaskins
Language Lift
Dr. Mercedes Davila
English Learner Support
Traci Muellerleile
Reading Launch
Rosie Warburg
Preschool
Dr. Nereida Antunez-Gamon
English Learner Support
Sarah McCartt-Jackson
Writing Adventures
Dr. Laci Fisher
Director of Project Ready
ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Louisa Moats
Dr. Kelly Powell-Smith
Amy Siracusano, M.S.Ed
Nancy Hennessy, M.Ed.
Dr. Elsa Cardenas-Hagan
Dr. Sarah Brown
Dr. Anita Archer
Nancy Eberhardt, M.S.Ed
Dr. Pam Kastner
Dr. Brandy Gatlin-Nash
EXPERT PRACTITIONER REVIEWERS
Dr. Jill Lang
Dr. Janel Bowman
Dr. Blythe Wood
Dr. Una Malcolm
Erin Eighmy
Dr. Tiffany Seaman
Dr. Renata Archie
Dr. Sarah Martin
Julia Salamone
A Special
Thank You
We extend a special thanks to Holy Family School students, staff, and parents. Your willingness to engage with us, share your perspectives, and offer honest input is helping to create a responsive, evidence-based, and impactful curriculum.
We are eternally grateful for the many doctoral candidates in Mount St. Joseph University’s Reading Science Doctoral Program who have shared their time, talents, and scholarship with ROW through their dissertation work. Their research, ideas, and dedication have contributed in meaningful ways to the continued growth and development of the Reading Opens Worlds curriculum.