“Nancy Young and Jan Hasbrouck, both premier educators and scholars, have provided the field with a masterpiece linking the science undergirding reading and writing development with the science of instruction. The organization of the information is clear and comprehensive. All the conditions that must be in place for evidence-based instruction to be successful are mapped out for a wide range of skilled and unskilled learners and different teaching environments. In my opinion, this is one of the most comprehensive and readable texts addressing the complex world of reading development, reading difficulties, and reading instruction.” – G. Reid Lyon, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Southern Methodist University; Distinguished Scientist in Neuroscience and Cognition, University of Texas, Dallas; Former Branch Chief, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

“If you are seeking a comprehensive guide to the science of reading and writing, look no further than Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing, an essential reference book to add to your professional library. This resource skillfully navigates the intricacies of literacy acquisition, offering insights, guidance, and practical tips for differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including older students, students with various disabilities, and multilingual learners. With a stellar roster of expert authors, this book combines cutting-edge research with hands-on strategies, ensuring teachers can provide an inclusive instructional approach that addresses the challenges that many of today’s students face when learning to read and write. Whether you are an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, this book will help you produce positive literacy outcomes for every student.” – Nancy Mather, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, University of Arizona

"The important theme of this teacher-friendly book is that differentiation of instruction is required by the individual variation that characterizes the reading and language skills of any classroom. The chapters, especially in the second section, address the characteristics and needs of exceptional children in a tidy, practical way that will fill gaps in the backgrounds of many educators. The book is enriched by a chapter on classroom management – a topic often overlooked in books on literacy. Teachers will find trustworthy guidance in this compendium created by contributors with extensive practical knowledge." – Dr. Louisa Moats, Literacy researcher, speaker, consultant, and trainer

"In this easy-to-read and useful book, Hasbrouck and Young have crafted a concise and informative resource in Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the Needs of ALL Learners. This compilation of works from experts in the field of research and education will serve novice to veteran educators as a comprehensive guide to understanding and meeting the needs of ALL learners. By going beyond the obvious academic essentials and including discussions about older students, variations of English, multi-lingual learners, socio-economic factors, home-school connections, technology, and teacher development, this book is an insightful reference for pre-and in-service teachers, as well as school administrators. Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing explains the basis of the needs of your students and will help you answer the “why” and the “how” to effective instruction." – Donna Hejtmanek, Retired Educator, Advocate and creator of the Science of Reading – What I Should Have Learned in College Facebook Group

Nancy Young, Ed.D., is a longtime proponent of differentiated instruction and creator of The Ladder of Reading & Writing infographic. A Canadian educator, Nancy has taught children with a wide range of learning needs. She provides professional development across Canada and internationally, focusing on the variations in the instructional design of programs particularly for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and students advanced in reading (AIR).

Jan Hasbrouck, Ph.D., knows the crucial importance of differentiation from fifteen years as a reading specialist and coach. Today, she is a widely published researcher and works as an educational consultant for U.S. and international schools. She is the author or co-author of books, curriculum materials, and assessment tools, including the PD Essentials titles Conquering Dyslexia and Reading Fluency.