College of Education and Human Development

ERA.NOVA Tackles Secondary Literacy Gaps with Research-Informed Strategies

In March 2025, George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) convened more than 60 educators, faculty, and division leaders from across Region 4 to examine evidence-based approaches to secondary literacy improvement, a growing concern across Virginia. This regional convening—part of the ongoing work of the CEHD-led Educational Research Alliance of Northern Virginia (ERA.NOVA)—focused on advancing research-informed, cross-disciplinary strategies for strengthen reading outcomes for secondary school students.

The event reflected CEHD’s broader strategic commitment to building applied research ecosystems that respond directly to school and community needs. Hosted on George Mason’s campus, the convening underscored the importance of schoolwide, team-based models for literacy instruction, particularly at the middle and high school levels where disparities in reading achievement have deepened since the pandemic.

Dr. Jade Wexler, professor of Special Education at the University of Maryland and a nationally recognized scholar in adolescent literacy, served as the convening’s special invited expert. Her remarks challenged the notion that literacy development is solely the responsibility of English/Language Arts educators. Instead, she offered a structured literacy framework for cross-content implementation, emphasizing how all educators—regardless of subject area—can play a critical role in advancing students’ reading, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

Following the keynote, participants engaged in collaborative design sessions, analyzed implementation case studies, and worked with draft planning tools to develop school-based strategies for supporting literacy across disciplines. Many left the session with concrete ideas for building schoolwide literacy leadership teams and initiating aligned interventions in their local contexts.

Faculty from George Mason’s CEHD Literacy program were central to the design and facilitation of the convening, as well as the follow-up technical support currently underway. Their leadership reflects CEHD’s enduring focus on research of consequence and advancing evidenced-based practices to support system-level change.

“Statewide data show a troubling decline in secondary literacy outcomes, with only 66% of Virginia 8th graders passing the Reading SOL in the most recent year—down from 74% before the pandemic,” said Dr. Ingrid Guerra-López, Dean of CEHD. “This isn’t just a curriculum issue. It’s a systems issue—one that demands coordinated leadership, research-informed practices, and the full engagement of educators across disciplines. We see this work as central to our mission of improving educational and economic mobility for all students.”
Source: Virginia Department of Education, 2023–2024 SOL Reporting

The March convening builds on ERA.NOVA’s growing momentum during the 2024–25 academic year. This regional research-practice partnership, which includes 21 public school divisions across Region 4, is organized around three core focus areas:

• Building Teacher and Leader Capacity
• Education Community Well Being
• Creating a New Narrative

Additional information on ERA.NOVA's focus areas is available here.

“These convenings provide structured opportunities to co-construct practical tools that reflect both current research and the lived experience of educators,” said Audra Parker, Director of the Office for Teacher Preparation at George Mason’s CEHD. “We see ERA.NOVA as a model for responsive, partnership-driven improvement work that maintains a sustained regional focus.”

Allison Parsons, Director of the Sturtevant Center for Literacy, highlighted the relevance of the convening to George Mason’s applied research. “We thoroughly appreciated Dr. Wexler’s insights, particularly her emphasis on bridging research and practice to improve student outcomes,” Parsons said. “At the center, we are committed to applying current research and generating new knowledge that supports literacy development across grade levels. One example is our Literacy Engagement Action Project (LEAP), which pairs research-based one-on-one tutoring with hands-on STEAM activities. This approach strengthens students’ reading, writing, and vocabulary while offering opportunities for collaborative, inquiry-based learning.”

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 academic year, ERA.NOVA will continue to convene quarterly, with a superintendent summit this summer shaping next year’s focus areas. In addition to convenings, ERA.NOVA is also expanding opportunities for applied research and professional learning aligned to division priorities. Visit ERA.NOVA's website for more information.