IOTA Community Schools in Memphis, Tennessee, has made a strategic decision to partner with Reading Horizons, a prominent provider of foundational literacy programs, to improve reading instruction in four middle and high schools within the Memphis Metro Area. This collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing education reform in Tennessee, particularly in historically underserved communities, with a focus on preparing students for success in college, leadership roles, and life. The core values of IOTA, which stand for Innovation, Opportunity, Transformation, and Access, align perfectly with the goals of this partnership.
Christina Austin, the Chief Academic Officer for IOTA Community Schools, emphasized the importance of academic focus in preparing students for graduation and future success. By teaming up with Reading Horizons, IOTA aims to provide students with effective, research-based reading instruction that will equip them with the necessary skills for academic achievement and personal growth.
The Reading Horizons Elevate® program, renowned for its success in teaching foundational reading skills to older learners, combines direct instruction with engaging software to make reading accessible to all students. With over 40 years of research backing its methodology, the program has proven effective across various age groups and educational settings, including intervention programs, adult education, special education, dyslexia support, and multilingual learner programs.
In Tennessee, the impact of charter schools on academic growth is evident, with over 44,000 students enrolled in 115 charter schools across the state. The 2023-34 Tennessee Charter School Center Impact Report highlights the remarkable progress made by public charter school students, who have shown exceptional academic growth despite facing significant challenges. By providing students with additional reading instruction equivalent to 34 extra days compared to non-charter students, there is a unique opportunity to leverage the partnership with Reading Horizons for further educational advancement.
Trisha Thomas, the President of Reading Horizons, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with IOTA Community Schools, emphasizing the shared vision of providing equitable education to all students, regardless of their background. By focusing on building foundational reading skills, both organizations aim to empower students to become confident readers and lifelong learners, ultimately contributing to a more literate society in Tennessee.
Reading Horizons has been at the forefront of eradicating illiteracy through effective, technology-enabled reading instruction for four decades. By continuously aligning its instructional approach with advancements in the science of reading, the organization has supported educators and students in preventing and addressing reading difficulties. With a proven track record of helping over 200,000 educators teach foundational literacy, Reading Horizons is committed to ensuring students reach reading proficiency by the end of third grade, setting them on a path towards academic success.
In conclusion, the partnership between IOTA Community Schools and Reading Horizons signifies a shared commitment to advancing literacy and educational opportunities for students in Tennessee. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations, students stand to benefit from enhanced reading instruction that will equip them with the skills needed to thrive academically and beyond. Through collaborative efforts like these, the future of education in Tennessee looks brighter, with a focus on empowering students to reach their full potential through the power of literacy.
