Improving NAEP Reading Scores: Why Slant System™ Stands Out | Slant System
Teaching Tools

Improving NAEP Reading Scores: Why Slant System™ Stands Out

By Stacey Masliansky

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading scores continue to highlight the urgent need for effective, evidence-based structured literacy instruction. While many educators have pursued various structured literacy training programs, they often find that these programs provide strong theoretical foundations but leave them searching for practical, classroom-ready tools that seamlessly integrate into  Mulit-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. The Slant System™ offers a distinct and impactful alternative—one that streamlines implementation without requiring additional consumable materials and integrates aligned assessments with connected decodable texts to reinforce learning at every stage.

What Makes Slant System™ Different? A Practical, Classroom-Ready Approach

The Slant System™ builds on the Orton-Gillingham method, offering a highly structured literacy intervention system that is both multimodal and adaptable. Unlike many reading intervention programs, Slant System™ does not require extensive additional purchases of consumable materials, making it a cost-effective and sustainable choice for educators. Instead, Slant System™ provides a comprehensive, all-in-one framework that includes:

  • A Clear and Structured Teaching Sequence: follows an intentional progression, ensuring mastery of foundational skills before advancing to more complex concepts.
  • Integrated Assessments: includes aligned assessments that help teachers pinpoint student needs and measure progress without the need for external tools.
  • Connected Decodable Texts: provides decodable text aligned to its scope and sequence, allowing students to immediately apply newly learned skills in controlled reading contexts.
  • Encoding Emphasis: incorporates explicit encoding instruction, ensuring that students develop strong spelling and writing skills alongside their reading abilities.
  • Practical, Hands-On Training: moves beyond theory, equipping teachers with explicit instructional strategies that can be immediately applied in the classroom.

Addressing the Needs of Struggling Readers and Students with Dyslexia

Many educators come to Slant System™ training after completing other structured literacy training. While these programs offer valuable insights into the science of reading, Slant System™ bridges the gap between knowledge and practice. With an emphasis on multimodal literacy instruction, Slant System™ supports struggling readers and students with dyslexia through explicit, systematic, and engaging lessons designed to build confidence and competence in literacy.

A Sustainable and Effective Solution for Schools

Schools looking to improve NAEP reading scores need reading intervention programs that are both effective and easy to implement. The Slant System™ approach ensures that teachers receive literacy coaching and advanced literacy courses that translate into real classroom success. The Slant System™ is not just another training—it is a complete reading intervention and literacy solution that empowers educators to deliver structured literacy lessons with confidence. Many teachers who have completed the training program report that Slant System™ can be delivered with fidelity while also fitting into the framework of a school setting. Slant System has flexible delivery options for grouping students, where to start within the teaching sequence, and length of lessons.  Check out our fidelity guidelines to read more!

Join the Slant System™ Community

Educators looking for a supportive community for literacy instruction and professional development will find that Slant System™ offers more than just training—it provides an ongoing network of resources and support. With options for advanced literacy courses and dyslexia specialist certification, Slant System™ ensures that educators continue to grow and refine their skills. Discover how Slant System™ delivers results. Learn more about our training options, aligned assessments, and decodable texts designed to enhance literacy instruction in every classroom.

May 7, 2026 in Success Stories

How One Teacher Helps Students With Dyslexia Find Their Voice

How One Teacher Helps Students With Dyslexia Find Their Voice By Beth Hatlen, in collaboration with Kandace Garrigus As educators, we live for the "lightbulb moments." But the reality is…
Read More
April 14, 2026 in Success Stories

The Breakthrough: How Structured Literacy Transformed Student Outcomes in Belvidere, IL

The Breakthrough: How Structured Literacy Transformed Student Outcomes in Belvidere, IL By Beth Hatlen, in collaboration with Michele Jacobs Over the past three years, Slant System™ has partnered with Belvidere…
Read More
March 31, 2026 in Dyslexia, Success Stories

From Struggle to Success: How the Slant System Is Transforming Student Readers

From Struggle to Success: How the Slant System Is Transforming Student Readers The insights and outcomes shared in this spotlight come from a teacher currently in practicum, Dr. Kimberly Q.…
Read More