McCarthy Consulting & Professional Services

McCarthy Consulting & Professional Services supports schools and districts in building coherent, equitable literacy systems that help every student thrive. Drawing on more than fifteen years of experience as a literacy educator, researcher, and program leader, I partner with educators to strengthen curriculum alignment, improve MTSS implementation, and make data-informed decisions that honor both the science of reading and the human realities of classrooms.

My consulting approach prioritizes clarity, equity, and instructional coherence. Whether conducting a full reading services review, facilitating professional learning, or advising on curriculum adoption and alignment, I work collaboratively with teachers and leaders to design solutions that are practical, sustainable, and responsive to local context.

Every school has a unique story. I help districts understand where they are, envision where they want to go, and build the instructional pathways to get there—always with a commitment to literacy as both a skill and a doorway to identity, agency, and opportunity.

Services

Reading Services Reviews & Literacy Audits

Independent evaluations of Tier 1–3 reading instruction, MTSS implementation, curriculum fidelity, and assessment practices. Clear findings and actionable recommendations.

Curriculum Alignment & Implementation Support

Guidance in selecting, adapting, or strengthening literacy curricula (e.g., HMH Into Reading, Heggerty, Writing Revolution) to ensure coherence across grades and buildings.

MTSS & Data-Driven Decision-Making

Support in developing consistent progress-monitoring routines, effective data team structures, and aligned intervention practices that reduce strain on resources.

Professional Learning for Educators

Workshops and coaching on literacy instruction, assessment, equity-focused teaching, multilingual learner support, and building strong reading-writing connections.

Strategic Advising for District Leaders

One-on-one or leadership team consultation on system coherence, policy alignment, and long-term planning to improve literacy outcomes.

Mark D. McCarthy, Ph.D., is a literacy educator, researcher, and consultant specializing in curriculum alignment, MTSS implementation, and equitable reading instruction. An Associate Professor and Department Chair at Springfield College, he brings over fifteen years of experience supporting districts in strengthening literacy systems, improving data-driven practice, and fostering meaningful, sustainable instructional change.