Teaching reading and spelling based on the latest evidenced-based brain research has become widely accepted and practiced in elementary schools. Twenty-three states including Nebraska are using Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS. In some schools, including Superior, it has made a great impact on students’ reading.

“Superior is one of the first districts in Nebraska to have a fully-trained LETRS staff,” said Jennifer Utecht, teacher and reading specialist at Superior Elementary School. LETRS is designed to help teachers understand how children learn to read and w...