Really Great Reading Taps LearnPlatform Founder as CEO to Drive Outcomes-Based Literacy Push
Event summary
- Really Great Reading (RGR) appointed Karl Rectanus as CEO on January 15, 2026.
- Rectanus previously founded and led LearnPlatform, focusing on outcomes measurement in education.
- RGR's instructional materials meet ESSA evidence standards and align with High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) as defined by EdReports and The Reading League.
- Recent analysis shows statistically significant improvements in foundational reading skills using RGR-aligned instruction, with gains sustained over time across student populations.
The big picture
The appointment comes as U.S. literacy scores continue to decline, with increasing pressure on districts to demonstrate measurable improvements. RGR is positioning itself to lead a new phase in literacy education defined by accountability for results, particularly for historically marginalized students and older learners. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward outcomes-based education models where success is measured by student performance rather than program adoption.
What we're watching
- Outcomes Accountability
- How RGR will operationalize its focus on measurable literacy outcomes under Rectanus' leadership.
- Scalability Challenge
- Whether RGR can maintain evidence-based results while rapidly scaling its delivery across thousands of schools.
- Market Differentiation
- The pace at which RGR can distinguish itself in a crowded field of literacy solutions by emphasizing accountability for results.