7/1/2024

Tech Tips: Starting off on the Right Foot

Starting off on the right foot with technology in the classroom ensures educators maximize learning outcomes from day one.

When it comes to science of reading-based literacy programs like Lexia® Core5® Reading and Lexia® PowerUp Literacy®, that means implementing them with fidelity and maintaining that fidelity of use all year long. Schools using Lexia’s adaptive programs with fidelity are significantly more likely to achieve grade-level goals by the end of the year.

Programs like Core5 and PowerUp leverage student performance data-driven insight to tailor instruction to individual student needs. This insight is also used to make personalized usage recommendations, ensuring students stay on track to meet their end-of-year benchmarks. Educators can help students achieve significant academic gains and develop a love for learning by monitoring usage and unit targets and integrating these tools into the curriculum.

This blog post explores fidelity in program usage, practical tips for effective implementation, and the role administrators and other facilitators play in driving success through technology. Understanding these principles ensures a solid start to the school year and greater progress toward district literacy goals.

Understanding Fidelity

Fidelity in educational programs refers to the accurate and consistent implementation of a program as designed, ensuring adherence to usage guidelines, instructional strategies, and assessment methods. Fidelity means sticking to the plan and using the program as intended to achieve the best results.

Fidelity in Terms of Lexia Products

For Lexia® products like Core5 and PowerUp, fidelity means consistently ensuring students meet their individualized usage targets. Students receive usage targets each month based on their performance. To be considered as having met fidelity, students should log at least 20 weeks of use in Core5 and PowerUp and meet their usage targets at least 50% of those weeks.

Core5:

• Usage targets are based on monthly Performance Predictors.
• Targets range from 20–80 minutes per week, depending on grade and performance.
• Predictors are categorized into On-Target, Some-Risk, and High-Risk levels.

PowerUp:

• Students should use the program for 75–135 minutes weekly.
• Engagement in Word Study, Grammar, and Comprehension activities is required.
• Additional practice includes 15–20 minute Lexia Lessons® and 10–15 minute Lexia Skill Builders®.

Significance of Fidelity for Successful Program Implementation

Fidelity is crucial for the successful implementation of educational programs because it directly impacts their effectiveness. Research shows students in schools with Lexia’s Implementation Support Partnership, who use the program with fidelity, are five times more likely to reach their end-of-year, grade-level benchmarks than those with minimal use.

Both teachers and administrators play critical roles in understanding and supporting the program. Directors can facilitate training and program orientation, monitor usage, and provide necessary resources to maintain consistent implementation. Prioritizing fidelity allows schools to maximize the benefits of Lexia’s evidence-based, adaptive learning solutions, leading to improved literacy outcomes and closing achievement gaps.

The Role of Administrators and Directors: Supporting Fidelity by Understanding the Programs

Administrators, technology, and curriculum directors play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of educational programs. When directors deeply understand the features and benefits of Lexia products and regularly monitor district- and school-level reports, they set a strong example for their educators. By familiarizing themselves with the real-time reporting and data-driven insight from Core5 and PowerUp, these leaders can effectively support teachers and students in meeting their usage targets and achieving educational goals. This understanding allows them to provide informed guidance, troubleshoot potential issues, and provide the necessary resources to support fidelity.

Core5 and PowerUp Usage Targets

Setting Monthly Usage Targets

Core5 and PowerUp set monthly usage targets based on individualized student performance. These targets are tailored to each student's unique learning needs and unit progress, ensuring they receive appropriate practice and instruction to advance their literacy skills. The program's Adaptive Blended Learning model uses ongoing performance data to adjust targets, providing a personalized learning experience that evolves with the student.

Impact on Student Outcomes

Meeting usage targets is critical because it directly influences student outcomes. Consistent and targeted usage ensures students receive the right amount of practice and intervention to develop their literacy skills effectively. The data-driven approach of Core5 and PowerUp allows for immediate adjustments to a student’s learning path, ensuring continual challenge and support.

Students who consistently meet their usage targets are more likely to make significant academic gains. Core5 is more than 2.5 times more effective than other elementary reading programs. This level of engagement ensures students meet their literacy goals and are prepared to succeed in other academic areas. In correlation studies across 15 different states, 70%–99.6% of students who achieved their end-of-year, grade-level benchmark in Core5 achieved Proficient or equivalent scores on their state test. Additionally, 50% of students who scored at aimsweb Tier 2 and 3 at the beginning of the year advanced at least one tier when using Core5 with fidelity, 43% more than students who didn’t use the program.

Unit Targets: Focusing on Skills Gained

While meeting usage targets is important, the primary goal of Lexia’s programs is the development of critical literacy skills. It’s essential to understand that using minutes is a means to an end, not the end itself. The real measure of success lies in the skills students gain and their progress in their literacy journey. Consistent use of Core5 and PowerUp enables students to build and strengthen essential reading skills like phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. This helps students be better prepared for academic challenges. By focusing on these skills, Lexia’s programs ensure students spend their time productively and make tangible progress in their literacy development.

For Nancy Sindle, reading specialist at Shirley Heim Middle School in Virginia’s Stafford County Public Schools, this additional focus accelerated her student’s growth. Initially, Sindle and her teachers set usage goals. But through collaboration and with support from a Lexia Success Partnership, they discovered the importance of not just “minutes of usage” but completion of units, to truly move the needle on literacy scores. “It was so helpful to have the full staff meetings with our Lexia Success Manager, where we talked about goal setting for both teachers and for students,” Sindle said.

Tips to Support Fidelity

Practical Tips for Integrating Lexia Programs into Daily Schedules and Curriculum Plans

To ensure Lexia programs like Core5 and PowerUp are used effectively, it's crucial to integrate them into the daily schedules and curriculum. Both administrators and teachers can track progress and make informed decisions to support student learning and program fidelity through the myLexia® platform. Here are some practical tips to achieve this:

• Designate Specific Times for Lexia Use: Work with school scheduling to set up specific times within the academic day dedicated solely to Lexia programs. By establishing regular daily or weekly sessions, administrators can support a consistent Lexia routine throughout the school.
• Incorporate Lexia Into Lesson Plans: Collaborate with curriculum specialists to align Lexia activities with broader educational objectives. Use Lexia data to identify areas needing additional practice and integrate relevant activities into your plans.
• Utilize Blended or Station-Rotation Models: Encourage educators to blend traditional teaching methods with Lexia’s adaptive technology. Lexia also supports one-on-one support, small-group instruction, and independent skills building. This helps manage classroom dynamics and ensures all students continue to grow along their personalized learning paths.

Strategies for Maintaining Consistent Program Use Throughout the Year:

Maintaining consistent program use throughout the year requires setting clear expectations, monitoring progress, and adapting to feedback.

1. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate the importance of consistent Lexia use to teachers and students. Set clear usage goals from the start of the school year and emphasize the role of Lexia in achieving literacy goals.
2. Monitor and Review Progress Regularly: Use Lexia’s myLexia platform to monitor student progress at the district, school, and classroom levels. 
3. Provide Ongoing Support: Offer continuous support through Lexia® Academy and the help center, ensuring teachers are confident and competent in using the programs effectively and have the necessary skills and training.
4. Encourage Educator Collaboration: Foster a collaborative environment for teachers to share best practices, success stories, and strategies for integrating Lexia into their teaching. Encourage peer observations and discussions.
5. Adapt to Feedback: Respond to feedback from teachers and students about Lexia programs. Adjust schedules, training, and resources based on this feedback to keep the programs effective and engaging throughout the year.
6. Use Data to Track Progress and Inform Decisions: Lexia’s myLexia platform provides real-time student performance and program usage insight. Administrators and educators can use this data, from the district level to the school level and down to the classroom, to track progress, identify trends, and make informed decisions to support student learning and program fidelity.
7. Check-Ins Ensure Fidelity: Schedule frequent meetings with teachers to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide support, ensuring the program is used effectively and any issues are promptly addressed.
8. Reward Programs Motivate Educators and Students: Recognize achievements with certificates, newsletter mentions, or small incentives. These rewards can boost morale, encourage engagement, and emphasize the importance of fidelity in achieving literacy goals.

The Importance of Starting the School Year With the Right Tech Approach

District leaders play a pivotal role in driving educational success. Effective use of Lexia programs like Core5 and PowerUp ensures districts make the most of these powerful tools. Supporting teachers in establishing consistent routines, aligning Lexia activities with curriculum goals, and ensuring fidelity in program use can significantly improve student literacy outcomes and overall educational excellence.

Maximize your investment in Lexia and make greater strides toward district literacy goals. Looking for a little extra support? Get custom goal-setting and implementation assistance with Lexia’s Success Partnerships.