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SYRACUSE , N.Y. , April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kari Kurto , The Reading League's national science of reading project director, will be a featured speaker at the World Literacy Summit 2025: Building Literacies, Connecting Worlds —through April 9 at Oxford University .
Kurto's address, set for April 8 , discusses The Reading League's Curriculum Navigation Reports and Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines. Emphasizing a global perspective on literacy education, Kurto's presentation will explore how literacy approaches and research-backed methods from the science of reading can extend beyond the United States and improve reading worldwide. "I am thrilled to present at the World Literacy Summit and engage in discussions on how our approach and research-backed strategies can have a global impact," Kurto said.
"The science of reading is already shaping literacy instruction in the United States , and this is a tremendous opportunity to share our work internationally." The World Literacy Summit is the world's largest gathering of literacy specialists, attracting over 40,000 online viewers, 300 speakers, and representatives from over 85 countries. The conference brings together NGO leaders, researchers, educators, policymakers, literacy entrepreneurs, publishers, and learners to address global literacy challenges and share innovative solutions.
This year's Summit will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including a keynote address by Molly Ness , Ph.D., a board member for The Reading League New York state chapter and advisor for The Reading League Maine chapter.
Nashville music superstar Jason Bradley DeFord , whose stage name is Jelly Roll, will join Ness on the opening day of the Summit. DeFord will share his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity through literacy. Having earned his GED while incarcerated at age 23, Jelly Roll's story underscores the transformative power of education.
The Reading League has also been named a finalist for the Contribution to Literacy by an Organization award, honoring organizations that continue providing cutting-edge literacy advancements. TRL joins a distinguished group of international finalists, including: Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. ( USA ) Phonic Books ( United Kingdom ) Start2Finish ( Canada ) Direct Instruction Hub ( United Kingdom ) ORKIDS FOUNDATION ( India ) School for Life ( Ghana ) TinkerTell ( United Kingdom ) LiteracyPlanet ( Australia ) The award winners will be announced during the World Literacy Summit awards dinner on April 8 .
The Reading League aims to increase stakeholder knowledge of evidence-aligned approaches to teaching reading and research that demystifies how people learn to read. We train and support educators and school leaders. We believe that all children deserve to learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them.
For more information, visit thereadingleague.org , a Syracuse, N.Y.
-based nonprofit organization. SOURCE The Reading League.
