EPS Learning Study on Improving Literacy Outcomes of Special Education Students Meets ESSA Level 3 Evidence Standards

BETHESDA, Md. — EPS Learningthe leading provider of PreK-12 literacy solutions, is pleased to announce that its recent SPIRE® The studio earned Level 3 certification for its alignment with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) standards. SPIRE is a structured, comprehensive, research-proven multisensory reading and literacy intervention program that has supported the reading success of all struggling readers through an intensive, structured curriculum aligned with the science of reading for more 30 years old.

LXD Research An independent study was conducted to determine the relationship between SPIRE use and student reading outcomes in 13 schools in the Martin County School District, Florida. The positive and statistically significant findings from the study support a relationship between SPIRE progress and improved literacy skills for special education students. Findings were robust in grades 3, 4, and 5 after controlling for key predictors such as prior FAST (Florida State Standardized Assessment) scores, gender, LEP status, grade level, and race/ethnicity.

This study met the following criteria to achieve ESSA Level 3:

• Correlational design; students new to the program compared to students with greater progress in the program
• Appropriate design and implementation with at least two teachers and 30 students per group
• The study uses a form of program that could be replicated
• Statistical controls using covariates
• At least one statistically significant positive finding

EPS Learning’s Academic Director, Dr. Janine Walker-Caffrey, commented on the company’s recent rating, saying, “We are incredibly proud of the decades of impactful support SPIRE has provided to readers across the country and are thrilled with the recent ESSA rating. While this is a wonderful achievement, we are just beginning our enhanced efficacy research efforts. Upcoming research will focus on research efficacy.” prove again “We are excited to continue to achieve the next level of ESSA certification as more research is published.”

SPIRE was developed by Orton-Gillingham (OG) Fellow Sheila Clark-Edmands and is based on structured literacy principles and the OG approach. The program incorporates evidence-based best practices for reading and language development. It also includes skills that are key to acquiring fluent reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Each SPIRE lesson employs 10 steps that enhance students' learning and memory by activating multisensory pathways to the brain in rapid succession, ensuring orthographic mapping and automaticity.

About EPS Learning

EPS Learning has partnered with educators for more than 70 years to promote literacy as a springboard to lifelong learning and opportunities. The more than 20 literacy solutions included in the EPS Literacy Framework are based on the science of reading and support grades PreK through 12, all levels of instruction, and each pillar of reading. EPS Learning offers evidence-based intervention and personalized professional learning to help students move toward growth, mastery, and success. Visited ai-powered-reading-assista/www.epslearning.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>www.epslearning.com Learn more.

The eSchool Media staff covers educational technology in all its aspects, from legislation and litigation to best practices, lessons learned, and new products. First published in March 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information needed to help K-20 decision makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and universities and achieve their educational goals.

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