Transforming Literacy Outcomes Across Nebraska
Leaders across Nebraska are strengthening literacy instruction by investing in the knowledge, tools, and implementation support that improves outcomes for all learners. AIM Pathways brings together evidence-based literacy PD, human-centered coaching, and system-level planning to help districts build sustainable, scalable change.
AIM’s approach is grounded in the belief that strong systems start with strong educator knowledge and Nebraska educators are already proving what is possible.
Proven Impact with Nebraska Educators
Nebraska educators consistently report deeper understanding, stronger instructional practice, and measurable gains in student performance after engaging with AIM Pathways.
Pathways to Proficient Reading and Pathways to Proficient Writing deepened my understanding of evidence-based literacy instruction and strengthened my own professional practice… The courses turned research into clear, actionable practices that empower all learners.
— Dr. Caryn Ziettlow, ESU 2 Regional Literacy Coach
I have never taken a course with such in-depth information on the science of reading. Two years later, I am still using AIM’s resources [daily]. I continue to be impressed with the growth of my students when I use what I learned through AIM Pathways.
— Audra H., Teacher, Nebraska
A Multi-Year Path for Sustainable Literacy Improvement
This three-year partnership model outlines how AIM supports schools and districts through aligned leadership and teacher-development tracks that build knowledge, create implementation plans, enhance instructional practice, and sustain long-term progress. The sequence is intentionally rooted in the EPIS Framework (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment) to ensure coherent, scalable, and durable literacy improvement.
Below is a draft roadmap. Districts and ESUs can accelerate or adjust based on readiness and local priorities.
Year 0: Explore
Build Knowledge
- Deepen evidence-based literacy knowledge with AIM Pathways coursework based on role
- Assess knowledge with AIM's Knowledge Navigator educator diagnostic
Year 1: Prepare
Create a Plan
- Co-design your literacy plan with an expert during AIM Implementation Blueprint sessions
- Grow internal coaching capacity with AIM's coaching certification & Trainer of Trainers (TOT)
- Welcome new staff into the same solid foundation
Year 2: Implement
Enhance Practices
- Apply learning in real classrooms.
- Certified literacy coaches can lead PD, model lessons, & support colleagues.
- Gain quick refreshers targeting emerging needs using Knowledge Navigator.
Year 3: Sustain
Sustain Progress
- Go deeper where your data points.
- Advance coach and leader expertise with recertification.
- Collaborative practice at the school or ESU level.
This approach ensures districts not only launch an initiative but they build the internal capacity needed to maintain and accelerate literacy gains year after year.
What AIM Pathways Offers Nebraska Educators
AIM Pathways combines rigorous coursework with authentic application, using our one of a kind Learn → Practice → Apply model. For Nebraska educators who have already completed foundational structured literacy coursework, AIM Pathways extends and deepens that learning by translating core concepts into day-to-day instruction, intervention, and coaching routines.
AIM Pathways Coursework
All courses include videos, research articles, case studies, student simulations, and classroom-ready tools.
Coaching That Builds Local Capacity
Co-developed with AIM Academy, our strategic model is built around a six-phase coaching cycle to strengthen local expertise so schools can sustain high-quality literacy instruction long after initial training.
With AIM coaching, districts receive:
- A six-phase coaching approach grounded in implementation science
- Up to 15 personalized virtual coaching sessions
- AIM’s Literacy Coaching Playbook, classroom observation protocol, and evidence-based tools
- Strategies aligned to IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards and district goals
- Pathway to AIM’s Local Integrated Literacy Coach (L-ILC) certification
Nebraska’s ESUs Lead the Way. AIM Coaching is Underway.
Nebraska’s HEROES literacy coaches are already bringing this vision to life across the state, modeling best practices, supporting educators, and helping schools translate reading science into daily instruction. AIM’s coaching approach is intentionally aligned to complement and extend the work of these regional coaches, ensuring consistent, statewide support for implementation.
Explore NDE-Approved Training Options
AIM is honored to support Nebraska’s commitment to literacy improvement, including the work of ESUs and the Nebraska Department of Education in advancing consistent, evidence-based practices across the state.
AIM Institute Is Here to Support Nebraska’s Vision
As an approved professional development provider for Nebraska’s CLSD grant, AIM Institute can partner with your district or LEA to build leadership capacity that drives sustainable literacy systems, train educators at all levels in evidence-based structured literacy practices, and provide targeted strategies to support English Learners and bi-dialectal students. We also offer guidance and grant-ready language to streamline your CLSD application and help align your literacy initiatives with Nebraska’s broader goals.