It is well known that reading difficulties can pose major barriers to academic success. Schools need evidence-based, effective tools to support their early readers.
LXD Research recently led an efficacy evaluation of two literacy products by 95 Percent Group LLC, the 95 Phonics Core ProgramTM (95PCP) and the Phonological Awareness (PA) Lessons Deluxe Package (PA Lessons), which were both approved by the Arizona Department of Education as supplemental literacy curriculum (95PCP) and as an early literacy intervention (PA Lessons), respectively. These foundational reading products that fit in with a district’s current literacy toolkit now have state-reviewed efficacy research to meet ESSA Tier 1-3 evidence.
LXD Research served as an independent evaluator and supported 95 Percent Group in establishing evidence that two of their products met ESSA evidence criteria as part of the Arizona DOE Move On When Reading initiative (see the products listed here). We studied the two products in separate half-year studies and found strong evidence for each, using a mixed-methods approach that involved standard assessment indices, teacher surveys and focus groups, and classroom observations to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of these learning tools.
In the half-year study of the 95PCP in Missouri that met Tier 1 criteria, LXD Research designed a random assignment study where schools were randomly assigned to either use the 95PCP or to continue using their other typical tools. Students that used the 95PCP outperformed students in grades K-2 that did not use the program. The LXD Research team also conducted a half-year study of the PA Lessons Deluxe Package that met Tier 2 criteria, where the LXD Research team paired schools and grades in the California district based on a variety of school-based characteristics to find similar groups of students who would either use Phonological Awareness Lessons or teach early literacy as usual. Schools using the PA Lessons intervention model saw significant gains above the comparison schools in student reading scores. Our group created fliers with summaries of the findings (95PCP flyer, PA Lessons flyer) and further probed the study insights to gather and provide suggestions to 95 Percent Group for product improvement based on feedback collected during the studies.
About 95 Percent Group LLC
Founded in 2005, 95 Percent Group is an educational company whose mission is to help educators identify and address the needs of all readers. Using an approach that is aligned with Structured Literacy, the company focuses on providing educators with whole-class and small group literacy solutions as well as developing foundational knowledge about The Science of Reading to deliver evidence and research-based instructional strategies. The Company’s professional development, diagnostic assessments, skill continua, and explicit instructional materials strengthen MTSS/RTI frameworks and ensure that students receive targeted intervention instruction to close skill gaps.
For additional information on 95 Percent Group, see www.95percentgroup.com, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.