During the June 11, 2026 Dependents Education Council meeting, Director Paul Craft stated that DoWEA is behind on science-of-reading implementation and identified early literacy as a top strategic priority. He emphasized returning to foundational learning methods, putting physical books back in students’ hands, and increasing curriculum rigor while integrating classical education approaches. While no specific procurements were named, this signals upcoming work around curriculum materials, instructional resources, assessments, professional development, and implementation support aligned to the science of reading.Vendors offering evidence-based literacy curricula, teacher training, intervention programs, and implementation consulting can position solutions that help DoWEA modernize literacy instruction system-wide and measure reading growth more effectively.

Craft explicitly linked literacy reform to curriculum rigor, parental engagement, and assessment and readiness priorities, suggesting an integrated modernization effort.