[3][4] Ehri is known for her theory of orthographic mapping,[5][6] which describes the process of forming "letter-sound connections to bond the spellings, pronunciations, and meanings of specific words in memory"[7] that underlies fluent reading.

As a consequence of orthographic mapping, written words are tightly linked with their pronunciations and meanings in memory and can be recognized by sight.

[8] Using meta-analysis, the group documented the benefits of systematic phonics[9] and phonemic awareness instruction[10] in helping children learn to read.

[18] In addition to her theory of orthographic mapping, Ehri is best known for her work describing the four stages of learning to read words, referred to as pre-alphabetic, partial, full, and consolidated alphabetic phases.

[20] Since her retirement in 2018, Ehri has continued advising students and collaborating on research on emerging readers[21][22] and evidence-based reading instruction.