What does coherence look like when literacy and numeracy improvement moves from planning into practice? The first finding from CASS’ “Advancing Student Achievement in Literacy and Numeracy” study points to clear priorities, shared understanding, and alignment across the system. All 47 system education leader participants described coherent system direction as critical to strengthening literacy and numeracy achievement. School authorities noted they are using frameworks, instructional models, strategic plans, common language, and aligned assessment and professional learning practices to connect classroom instruction with broader priorities. Participants also described deliberately narrowing priorities to reduce competing initiatives and organizational fragmentation. Importantly, coherence was not viewed as rigid standardization. System education leaders emphasized collaboration, local flexibility, professional judgment, and ongoing refinement as student needs and circumstances change. The finding suggests coherence depends as much on disciplined focus and shared ownership as it does on formal plans. Be sure to look at the report’s visual Executive Summary for a concise overview of the research, key findings, and considerations for practice.