Published On: January 29th, 2026By Leticia Fehling

Aldine ISD to Host 2026 Literacy Matters Conference, Showcasing District’s Journey in the Science of Reading

What happens when a school district commits — year after year — to the science of teaching reading, even in the face of unprecedented challenges?

Aldine Independent School District will explore that question and more during its 2026 Literacy Matters Conference, a free, virtual event scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Now in its sixth year, the annual conference brings together educators, families, and community members from across Texas, the nation, and beyond to examine how purposeful, rigorous literacy instruction translates into meaningful student outcomes.

Hosted by the Aldine ISD, this year’s conference centers on the theme “Our Story, Our Students: Strengthening Literacy Through Purposeful, Rigorous Instruction.” The theme reflects both the district’s sustained literacy work and its belief that strong instruction — grounded in research and brought to life by educators — can change learners’ trajectories.

A Literacy Journey Grounded in Research and Practice

Aldine ISD’s literacy journey began in 2019 with the creation of a district literacy task force charged with building a framework rooted in the science of teaching reading. The goal was ambitious: increase the number of students reading at or above grade level while developing effective communicators, skilled writers, and analytical readers.

That work positioned Aldine ISD as the first school district in Texas to adopt the Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts model, aligning instruction with research on how students learn to read. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the district sustained momentum by providing high-quality instructional materials, digital tools, and targeted coaching to support teachers and students.

Five years later, the results are evident. Through its combined focus on high-quality instructional materials, Teach Like a Champion strategies, and thoughtful digital transformation, Aldine ISD recorded the largest reading gains among large Texas districts on the spring 2025 STAAR assessment. Those gains reinforce a central belief shared throughout the district: strong instruction, paired with intentional technology use, leads to improved student outcomes — an Aldine story educators nationwide are eager to learn from.

“Literacy is foundational to everything we want for our students,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “Our commitment to the science of reading, paired with high-quality instructional materials and practices like Teach Like a Champion, reflects our belief that every student deserves rigorous, joyful instruction that builds knowledge and confidence. The Literacy Matters Conference allows us to share our journey, learn alongside educators across the city, state, and country, and continue writing the #AldineStory of what’s possible when strong instruction meets purposeful support.”

From One-Day Virtual Event to National Conversation

District leaders first recognized the need for broader professional learning around literacy in 2021, launching the inaugural Literacy Matters Conference as a one-day virtual experience. Designed to support both Aldine educators and participants nationwide, the conference quickly drew national attention.

Over the years, Literacy Matters has featured nationally recognized literacy experts, authors, and researchers, as well as district leaders and classroom practitioners. The event has included panels on curriculum, equity, multilingual learners, early childhood literacy, and school reform, while also elevating diverse voices through author conversations centered on cultural representation in literature.

Since its launch, the conference has continued to grow, drawing thousands of participants from across Texas, the United States, and around the world — each joining virtually to engage in research-based discussions and practical strategies tied to the science of reading.

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 Literacy Matters Conference will continue that tradition of learning and reflection. Featured speakers include authors Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway, co-authors of The Teach Like a Champion Guide to the Science of Reading, and Tricia A. Zucker, author of Strive for Five Conversations. Together, they will share evidence-based strategies, practical methodologies, and classroom-tested practices that support literacy development for all learners.

Sessions will emphasize how purposeful, rigorous instruction builds foundational skills, promotes critical thinking, and fosters a lifelong love of reading and writing. While the full session schedule is still under development, participants are encouraged to register early and check back for updates as additional sessions and speakers are announced.

The virtual format allows educators, parents, and community advocates to engage from anywhere — making Literacy Matters both accessible and impactful.