As the ELA adoption cycle peaks, district leaders face complex decisions that go far beyond checking boxes for “Science of Reading” alignment. In this panel, experienced curriculum leaders Amber Mann Elder, M.Ed., Josh Tremont, Ed.D, and Jill Erfourth share how they make high-stakes adoption decisions—balancing evidence, classroom usability, stakeholder input, and long-term sustainability. Drawing on district and statewide leadership experience, panelists will surface common pitfalls and offer a practical lens for evaluating ELA programs with confidence. Attendees will walk away with decision-making guidelines that prioritizes instructional consistency, teacher autonomy, and student outcomes—over anything else.