Missouri is leading a transformative effort to improve literacy outcomes through its Read, Lead, Exceed initiative, a statewide commitment to ensuring every student becomes a proficient reader by the end of third grade. This session will explore how recent legislation is shaping and supporting high-quality reading instruction grounded in the science of reading. Participants will gain insights into the core components of the Read, Lead, Exceed initiative including educator training, evidence-based instructional practices and support systems for early identification and intervention. The session will highlight how state policies are aligning resources to equip educators with the tools and knowledge they need to deliver systematic, explicit reading instruction. Join us to learn how Missouri’s strategic integration of policy and practice is not only raising expectations for literacy instruction but also providing schools with the guidance and support needed to help all students succeed.