SAINT JOSEPH – Since the launch of Turn on readingthe association with Alpha: José Hernández School in November, the organization announced today that students participating in the virtual one-on-one literacy tutoring program have recorded an average of nearly three weeks of reading progress per week of tutoring instruction, with no achievement gaps for students of color, students with IEPs, multilingual students, or students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. Ignite Reading officials joined school leaders and students from Alpha: José Hernández today to showcase the nationally recognized program. The demonstration was followed by a question and answer session and panel discussion.
Ignite Reading currently serves 100 students in grades 3-5 at Alpha: José Hernández School. They are currently accelerating at a growth rate of 2.8 weeks of reading skills per week of instruction.
“Ensuring that all students are prepared for success in life is a matter of equity. Reading can open doors or close opportunities for students. Incorporating tutoring into our school day through the Ignite Reading tutoring program is showing early success that we plan to build on in the coming months,” he said. Shara Hegde, CEO of Alpha Public Schools.
Turn on reading pairs students with expert tutors who deliver daily 15-minute instruction based on the science of reading to help them master key foundational skills that prepare them to become independent readers. The individualized virtual program is integrated into the school day and takes some of the burden off of teachers by providing individualized instruction for each student.
The company is now teaching thousands of students to read in 13 states and has plans to expand nationwide. In addition to California, Ignite Reading is partnering with schools and districts to serve thousands of students in Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia this year.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Alpha Public Schools to help more San Jose students improve their reading skills. Through Ignite Reading's individualized tutoring, students are making significant progress, gaining nearly three weeks' worth of reading skills for each week of the program. The positive influence on their socio-emotional development is also notable. “It is an honor to continue supporting the incredible local students, families and educators in San José,” he said. Jessica Reid Sliwerski, founder and CEO of Ignite Reading.
About Turn on reading
Ignite Reading's mission is to ensure that every student is a confident, independent reader by the end of first grade. The organization was co-founded by CEO Jessica Reid Sliwerski and Evan Marwell, CEO of Ignite and CEO of EducationSuperHighway. Ignite Reading pairs schools with a dedicated literacy specialist and a team of virtual reading tutors, all highly trained in the Science of Reading, who provide personalized daily instruction to students focused on their specific decoding gaps. Ignite's data-driven approach, delivered by caring and knowledgeable tutors, gives children the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive as fluent readers. The Ignite Reading program, delivered 15 minutes per day during a school's literacy block, removes the burden of differentiated instruction from teachers and has an immediate impact. For more information about Ignite Reading, visit: www.ignite-reading.com
About Alpha Public Schools
Alpha Public Schools is a network of four public charter schools founded by a group of East San Jose parents committed to creating access to an excellent education for their children. An Alpha education prepares students in TK through 12th grade for success in college and career.
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