More than a decade ago, Chicago’s Monarcas Academy (previously Enrico Tonti Elementary School) implemented research-aligned teaching strategies to address literacy rates. It coupled skilled instruction with data-driven, evidence-based Lexia® Core5® Reading for grades K–5. The school has become a Level 1+ school, one of the highest rankings for the Chicago Public Schools rating system. The school has remained top tier because students learn foundational science of reading components starting in kindergarten using Lexia®.
Teachers decide how to break down the learning and implement it within their reading blocks. Some educators assign Core5 for homework, while others build it into their classroom time. Other teachers set up different stations or centers throughout their classrooms and have students rotate through the literacy platform that way.
“Teachers see the power in Lexia and how they can use it with their students and the useful data that we extract from it,” said Jennifer O’Sullivan, a lead coach and literacy instructor. “Those ‘wins’ go a long way in helping us get buy-in from our teachers for it.”
The real-time progress data informs instruction immediately, ensuring students get attention when and where they need it most. This means teachers can identify literacy gaps early and help students advance more quickly.
Learn how 80% of 2021–2022 SY students working below grade level advanced at least one grade level within one year.
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