The Idaho SMART Project (Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together) is a statewide K–3 early literacy initiative grounded in the Science of Reading. Launched in 2021 alongside the first annual K–3 Reading Summit, SMART is a two-year cohort-based project that supports educators and administrators in implementing evidence-based literacy instruction. The initiative provides professional learning in early literacy, one-on-one coaching to bridge research to practice, and opportunities for collaboration among educators across the state. To date, SMART has supported over 1,000 educators and school leaders in improving reading outcomes for Idaho students. The SMART Project is closely aligned with Idaho’s Comprehensive Literacy Plan and supports the state’s broader literacy goals for early elementary students.
SMART Project Application for 2025-2026 School Year Now Open
All new and returning educators and administrators must complete the application to participate in the 2025–2026 SMART Project. We encourage early applications so our team can begin planning professional learning support and ensure a strong start for all participants. We will continue to share important updates and key deadlines through the Idaho Department of Education Newsletter, social media channels, and direct emails to participants, administrators, and school districts.
Idaho Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together (SMART) is a multi-year cohort project to train K-3 educators to provide instruction and intervention rooted in the science of reading. The goal of Idaho SMART is to train and support K-3 educators to provide science of reading aligned instruction that will improve the outcomes of K-3 students as evidenced by increased achievement on the IRI.
K-3 educators who sign up for SMART participate in facilitated learning utilizing Dr. Louisa Moats' Speech to Print text, guided implementation of evidence-based practices, and receive coaching to sustain changes in their delivery of instruction and intervention.
- Advance teacher knowledge of the science for teaching reading by providing facilitated learning opportunities for teachers to study and apply the science of reading research to everyday instructional practices.
- Train teachers to use science of reading aligned instructional materials to improve early literacy learning for students.
- Improve teacher implementation of science of reading aligned practices through synchronous and asynchronous coaching.
Teachers, paraprofessionals, and other educators who work directly with K-3 students participate in three strands of activities; knowledge, collaborating, and coaching. Each of these is detailed below.
Knowledge Strand
This strand will require teachers to independently read and study chapters of "Speech to Print" by Louisa Moats and actively participate in facilitated meetings and plan to intentionally transfer learning into classroom practice.
Additional learning on how to implement Tools4Reading practices is provided through four (3) 90 minute professional development sessions on sound-spelling resources for instruction throughout the school year. Teachers will be provided with a Speech to Print textbook, workbook, and a set of Tools4Reading® teacher materials.
Collaboration Strand
In the collaboration strand teachers will dive into learning with peers and coaches through workbook activities from Speech to Print and relevant discussion topics about tools4reading implementation, curriculum alignment, and classroom instructional strategies. Collaborative groups will be formed in each region and/or school and meet both in person and virtually. Fall and spring in person collaboratives will be scheduled to allow for travel to and from regional locations. Travel and substitute reimbursement will be available to participants.
Coaching Strand
The coaching strand work will require teachers to meet virtually and in person with a state coach each month. Coaching will include facilitated discussion and technical assistance to support teachers to use Tools4Reading and apply new knowledge to grow early literacy skills for students in the classroom.
This is a sample pacing guide to provide context for the work in SMART. Plan to engage in reading and workbook activities monthly in addition to working directly with your coach. Activities and sessions are subject to change.
Sample Activities
| Month | Knowledge Tasks | Collaboration & Coaching Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| August | Assigned reading (chapter 1) | SMART Kickoff Regional collaborative meeting |
| September | Assigned reading & workbook activities (chapter 1) | Tools4Reading session, coaching session, virtual collaborative |
| October | Assigned reading & workbook activities (chapter 2) | Tools4Reading session |
SMART Project Application for 2025-2026 school year now open.