As New NAEP Data Highlights Nationwide Literacy Declines, Metro Nashville Invests in Literacy Intervention Program for Secondary Schools

Wilson's Just Words® and Wilson Reading System (WRS)® programs chosen to serve grades 6–12 in MNPS in support of the district's focus on literacy

OXFORD, Mass., Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With newly released NAEP results showing that U.S. 12th-grade reading scores have fallen to their lowest levels in decades—down 10 points since the first assessment in 1992—Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) is taking decisive action. Today, Wilson Language Training (Wilson), a leading provider of evidence-based supplemental literacy curriculum, announced that MNPS has selected its literacy intervention programs for middle and high school students. Wilson Language Training (Wilson), a leading provider of evidence-based supplemental literacy curriculum, today announced Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has selected its literacy intervention programs for middle and high school students.

Through a competitive solicitation process, MNPS identified Just Words® and the Wilson Reading System® as approved solutions in the Secondary category (Grades 6–12) to support the district's broader literacy goals and initiatives. With more than 81,000+ students enrolled across 160 schools, MNPS is using this program to advance a district-wide literacy strategy centered on delivering evidence-based reading instruction and interventions. The district is equipping educators with high-quality tools to support students with foundational reading gaps and those with more intensive needs.

"The sobering data released today is a reminder that too many adolescents are struggling to read at the level required for success in school and beyond," said Dr. Adrienne Battle, Superintendent at Metro Nashville Public Schools. "In Nashville Public Schools, we refuse to accept these outcomes and that's why we're making investments in high-quality tools that support effective literacy instruction and ensure all of our students are set on a path to success."

The approval of Wilson's programs provides educators with access to two targeted solutions: Just Words®, an explicit, multisensory decoding and spelling program for students with mild-to-moderate gaps in foundational skills, and Wilson Reading System®, an intensive structured literacy program designed for students with significant challenges learning to read, including those with dyslexia.

"The NAEP data released today underscores the urgency of strengthening adolescent literacy nationwide," said Keri Dixon, CEO of Wilson Language Training. "At Wilson, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction. We are proud to partner with Metro Nashville Public Schools to help more middle and high school students receive the targeted support they need to thrive."

For more information, please visit www.wilsonlanguage.com.

About Wilson Language Training
For nearly forty years, Wilson has advanced its vision of "Literacy for All" through multi- modal structured literacy programs and professional learning backed by a commitment to the Science of Reading and implementation. The Wilson Reading System® (WRS), Fundations®, and Just Words® programs support over 3 million students, building a solid foundation for beginning readers and reducing the literacy gap for struggling students, including those with dyslexia. Wilson's certifications result in Wilson® Dyslexia Practitioner and Therapist credentials, which have been awarded Accreditation Plus by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Nearly 300,000 educators have participated in Wilson courses and workshops, and 25,000 have earned WRS Level I Certification.

SOURCE Wilson Language Training