11/14/2024

Intentionality Closes Skill Gaps in Literacy

Challenge: Closing student skills gaps across an evolving student population without sufficient classroom resources and support.

Solution: Lexia® Core5® Reading and Lexia® LETRS®

Five years ago, educators at the Craven County School District were struggling to close skills gaps in literacy. This challenge was complicated by the evolving student population, and teachers needed a stable, structured solution to help all students reach their full potential for literacy.

When district leaders adopted Lexia® Core5® Reading, Jason Griffin, executive director of elementary and federal programs, ensured their implementation plan was thoughtful and intentional. They aimed to meet students where they were and give them what they needed to advance on their literacy journey. With the resources and support available through Core5, the district increased EOG (end-of-grade) scores for five-consecutive years.

Intentionality in implementation was critical to the district’s success. With district elementary coaches supporting teacher onboarding, educators understood how to effectively maximize their use of Core5. Lexia’s real-time reporting tools were another critical component that supported that intentionality. The Core5 progress and predictor reports gave teachers, principals, and district leaders insight into student progress and the ability to adjust instruction as needed. 

A few years later, district leaders added Lexia® LETRS® professional learning. LETRS expanded educators’ knowledge about how to teach reading effectively, and suddenly the structure and resources of Core5 stood out as exceptionally aligned to the science of reading. Griffin describes the impact: “It was like lightbulbs went off. Teachers see all the connections.” 

As a result of this broad and well-considered plan, educators were able to achieve 85% fidelity of use in Core5. Even more impressive: 90% of students who met Core5’s usage targets read at or above grade level—showing that Craven County educators have made enormous progress toward helping all students reach their full potential.