School of Education assistant professor receives $35,000 award to examine implementation of science of reading policy in California

By Rachel Sampson
August 28, 2026

UC Irvine School of Education Assistant Professor Eupha Jeanne Daramola has been selected as a 2026-27 UCI Hellman Fellow, receiving $35,000 to support her research on the implementation of science of reading curriculum and pedagogy in California. 

The Society of Hellman Fellowship program supports early-career faculty who demonstrate promise of distinction in their research. 

Daramola will use the fellowship to analyze data from a multi-year case study of a large California school district that implemented a science of reading policy between 2019 and 2024. 

Her research comes amid an ongoing national debate over how children learn to read and how schools should approach early literacy instruction. Often referred to as the “reading wars,” the debate has prompted states and school districts across the country to reconsider literacy curricula, instructional practices and teacher preparation.

California joined that movement in 2025 with the adoption of statewide legislation focused on evidence-based literacy instruction. Because the district in Daramola’s study began implementing its approach several years earlier, her research may offer useful lessons as other California districts navigate similar changes. 

Eupha Jeanne Daramola

“I am honored that UC Irvine and the Hellman Foundation are supporting my work,” Daramola said. “I am excited to be able to contribute to the policy conversation in California.” 

Through the study, Daramola hopes to better understand what happens when literacy policy moves from adoption to implementation, including how educators and school systems navigate a new and sometimes contentious approach to teaching reading. 

The Hellman Fellowship provides support for research-related expenses, including research personnel, materials, data, travel and other project needs.