Collaborative Literacy Education, Advancement, and Research (CLEAR)

Who We Are

The Collaborative Literacy Education, Advancement, and Research (CLEAR) at Wichita State University is a regional hub dedicated to transforming literacy outcomes through innovation, evidence-based practices, and collaborative partnerships.

Established with support from the Kansas Board of Regents under the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, CLEAR focuses on building educator capacity, supporting school systems, empowering families, and advancing literacy equity across diverse communities.

Our Mission

To equip educators, families, and systems with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to improve literacy outcomes for all students—especially those most at risk—through research-driven strategies and inclusive professional learning.

What We Do

We offer both virtual and face-to-face support services.

In-Service Professional Development

Credentials in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy (Approved by KBOE for the Seal of Literacy)
Coaching for educators and instructional leaders
In-Service opportunities for educators, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel

Pre-Service Educator Training

Support for EPPs in preparing preservice educators
Support EPP Alignment with KSDE and IDA standards

Family & Community Engagement

Research-based trainings on literacy support and advocacy
Family-school partnership workshops
Culturally responsive resources in multiple languages

School System Support

Collaboration with our district partners to support evaluation and identification services for reading disabilities
Strategic literacy plan development with schools
MTSS guidance and literacy curriculum review support

Partnership & Network Building

Collaboration with colleges, service centers, and nonprofits
Development of scalable models for professional learning
Research dissemination and policy alignment

Impact Areas

Improved educator effectiveness

Measurable gains in student reading outcomes

Reduced literacy gaps for English learners, students with disabilities, and underserved populations

Sustainable systems change across urban, rural, and suburban districts

Professional development training opportunities

Innovation and Vision

At the Center for Literacy Education, Advancement, and Research (CLEAR), innovation is not just a value—it is our practice. We are committed to advancing literacy through evidence-based approaches, applied research, and collaborative partnerships that respond to the evolving needs of Kansas schools and communities. Guided by Wichita State University’s Strategic Plan and the College of Educations’ commitment to access, applied learning, and community impact, CLEAR serves as a hub where research and practice converge.

Our vision is to ensure that every learner has access to high-quality literacy instruction and the supports necessary for lifelong success. We pursue this vision by:

Driving Innovation in Literacy: Developing and implementing cutting-edge, structured literacy practices aligned with the science of reading.
Strengthening Educator Capacity: Empowering teachers and leaders through professional learning, coaching, and applied practice grounded in real-world classrooms.
Building Community Impact: Partnering with schools, families, and organizations to foster inclusive, culturally responsive literacy ecosystems.
Leading Research with Purpose: Conducting and disseminating research that advances knowledge while providing practical solutions to educators and policymakers.

CLEAR’s vision is to be a national leader in literacy education—transforming lives by ensuring all students, regardless of background, are prepared to learn, thrive, and contribute to their communities.