5/31/2022
Teaching reading in crowded classrooms: The support even trained teachers need
Teachers armed with knowledge, skills, and tools from LETRS® are confident and capable literacy instructors. But all of their skill and enthusiasm can’t make more hours in the school day. How can time-strapped teachers deliver personalized instruction to a class of 20-30 students at varying levels of reading progress?
From Training to Tools: Translating Research into Classroom Success
Teachers who have completed Lexia® LETRS professional learning are equipped to better meet the literacy learning needs of all students. They understand the scientific research about how reading and language acquisition work and have mastered how to teach the five essential components of literacy, plus writing, spelling, and oral language.
School leaders know the most important factor in student success is the teacher. But to transform student outcomes at scale, essential teaching skills need to be complemented with tools for personalized student instruction that dovetail with the principles identified in the science of reading and Structured Literacy.
What’s needed is a research-proven program that allows teachers to apply their LETRS knowledge in the classroom.
All of Lexia's literacy programs are based in the science of reading, from LETRS professional learning to classroom literacy tools like Lexia® Core5® Reading. The adaptive blended learning in Core5 provides differentiated literacy instruction for students in grades pre-K–5. Individualized learning paths support all students in the class, regardless of skill level or starting point.
More Efficient and Effective Teachers
To help LETRS-trained teachers be more efficient, Core5 automatically places each student at an appropriate instructional level. The software seamlessly adapts with student performance, targeting skill gaps as they emerge and scaffolding students with guided practice if they struggle. Teachers also receive real-time, “next-step” recommendations for students, whether they need more help learning a skill, or they are ready to move on to the next level.
Core5’s integrated system of support maximizes teachers’ direct instructional time. Embedded assessment technology (Assessment Without Testing®) predicts students’ year-end performance and provides ongoing data to help teachers prioritize and plan instruction, saving them up to a month of instruction time as they are not stopping to administer a test.
The teacher remains at the center of instruction with Core5. Automatic notifications offer specific alerts when students struggle, identifying students for targeted teacher-led instruction when needed. This frees up the teacher to work with small groups or individual students using scripted Lexia Lessons®, opportunities for independent student practice, or Fluency Passage Packs while other students follow personalized learning paths that are engaging and motivating.
Edtech literacy programs would not be gaining momentum among educators if they were not effective at improving learning outcomes. Core5 is evaluated by using rigorous scientific methods and has been found effective with a variety of populations to help close the literacy gap in as little as 10 weeks. It has also received a “Strong” rating—the highest ranking available—from Evidence for ESSA, and the National Center on Intensive Interventions
(NCII) reported positive effects favoring Lexia users over nonusers in all reviewed studies.
An Investment That Pays Off for Students
You’ve invested in your teachers with LETRS, now give them back the time they need to help every student succeed with Core5 Reading. Its effective, personalized instruction can empower teachers to give all students, including those falling behind, the instruction they need to thrive.
The powerful combination of Lexia’s science of reading-based professional learning and blended learning literacy programs ensures every student becomes a successful reader. Literacy instruction, which impacts a student’s ability to communicate, express themselves, and engage with the world around them, is a crucial investment for every school and district.
Learn more about why Core5 is the program of choice for schools committed to advancing educational equity for all their students.