In the interview, Rectanus explains why improving literacy outcomes is one of the most urgent priorities in American education. He highlights the progress states and districts are making through Science of Reading-aligned instruction, professional learning, assessment, and implementation support. He also describes how RGR helps educators identify student needs, deliver targeted instruction, and measure the foundational literacy skills students learn.

As Rectanus explains, “The sector is shifting from systems organized around adoption and compliance to systems organized around measurable outcomes.” He discusses how the Education Outcomes Movement and outcomes-based contracting can create greater shared responsibility for student progress by connecting a portion of provider payment to measurable results.

For RGR, this commitment extends beyond contract structure. It means aligning instructional solutions, professional learning, implementation support, and business practices with the literacy outcomes districts are working to achieve.

The interview also highlights RGR’s impact, including 15.6 million foundational literacy skills learned through its solutions last year and measurable student progress in Wayne-Westland Community Schools and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Throughout the conversation, Rectanus returns to the importance of evidence, long-term partnership, and shared responsibility for helping more students become confident readers.