The Evidence Base, Assembled
The Canon of Literacy:
A Three Sciences Framework
By Dr. Paige Pullen
The integrated evidence base for literacy instruction.
What we teach, how students learn, which practices work.
Named alongside Chall and Adams as essential reading.
— Special Education Today.
Foreword by Douglas Carnine · Published by the Evidence Advocacy Center
“The book challenges the field to ground literacy instruction in the established sciences of cognition, learning, and effective teaching, and for that reason, it is poised to become an essential reference in literacy education.”
Maria Murray, Ph.D., CEO, The Reading League
“The Canon of Literacy is an original and compelling way to organize a complex field. By bringing together what we know about literacy development, human learning, and effective instruction, this book provides educators with a coherent lens for evaluating both research and practice.”
Daniel Willingham, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia; Author of Why Don't Students Like School?
“Within these pages, educators will find a practical blueprint for high-leverage teaching routines, alongside systematic approaches to support every literacy learner.”
Dr. Nathaniel Swain, Author of Harnessing the Science of Learning
“As I read this book, I was already making a list of individuals who should read this amazing Canon: higher education professors, state, district, and school leaders, new and experienced teachers, literacy coaches, trainers, consultants, and curriculum developers.”
Anita Archer, PhD, Co-author of Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching and educational consultant to school districts on explicit instruction, the design and delivery of instruction, behavior management, and literacy instruction.
Three Sciences Framework
Effective literacy instruction integrates three sciences: what we teach, how students learn, which practices work.
The science of reading is real and essential, and it is one science of three; effective instruction emerges at the intersection.
Dr. Paige Pullen
Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, Mindset CoPilot
Executive Editor, Exceptionality: A Special Education Journal · Author of textbooks used in teacher preparation programs nationwide · 40,000+ educators trained · Former CAO and research professor, University of Florida Lastinger Center · Creator, Florida Literacy Matrix
Work with Dr. Paige Pullen
Literacy Policy Advisory & Consulting
Turn education policy into classroom practice.
Advising ministries, states, and school systems on literacy strategies grounded in the Three Sciences Framework.
Teacher Professional Development
Build educator confidence and get results.
Interactive workshops and programs that equip teachers with practical, up-to-date tools and strategies.
Program Design & Evaluation
Refine your approach. Measure your impact.
Development and evaluation of literacy initiatives with measurable outcomes for educators and students.
Keynotes & Practical Workshops
From research to action.
Engaging talks that connect science-based insights with real-world classroom strategies.
Selected Engagements
Florida Literacy Matrix
Florida's statewide professional learning system
Zambia and Botswana
Effective strategies in diverse and challenging contexts
Pinellas Early Literacy Initiative
Strengthening early literacy through evidence-based instruction
From Science to Educational Transformation
Research & Innovation
Translating literacy science into actionable strategies for educators.
Capacity Building
Scaling up effective teacher and leadership development.
Policy & Global Leadership
Supporting governments in sustainable, evidence-based education reform.