Written by Dallis Fox, Manager of Curriculum and Instruction at Impact Public Schools
At Impact Public Schools, we believe that every child deserves the tools to unlock a lifetime of learning. But what does it take to ensure every scholar becomes a confident and capable reader? For us, the answer lies in literacy research—specifically, the Science of Reading. Here’s what it is, why it matters, and how we’re aligning our approach to ensure all Impact scholars thrive.
What is the Science of Reading and Why Does it Matter?
The Science of Reading is a fascinating, decades-long collection of research that shows how the human brain learns to read and write. Drawing from neuroscience, linguistics, and cognitive science it highlights an important truth: reading isn’t innate, but is a skill we develop. This research, spanning multiple languages and cultures, guides how we should teach reading in schools.
Two key ideas shape this understanding:
In this Simple View of Reading visual, we see a simple a x b = c equation.
- Word Recognition is the ability to decode words on a page.
- Language Comprehension is understanding the meaning of spoken language.
Together, they form the foundation for skilled reading. If one piece is missing, the equation doesn’t work!
- Scarborough’s Reading Rope
Image Credit: https://csaedu.com/scarboroughs-reading-rope/
This second visual breaks reading into smaller “threads” of skills. These threads, look vocabulary, phonics, and background knowledge, weave together into the rope of strong, skilled reading.
Want to learn more about the Science of Reading? Read and listen to the experts! Here are a few of our favorite additional resources about the Science of Reading:
- What We Know About Reading and The Brain
- Learning to Read: A Primer | Part One
- Science of Reading: A Primer | Part Two
How is Impact Aligning with the Science of Reading?
In the 2022-2023 school year, we asked ourselves a big question: How well does Impact’s literacy model match this research? To find out, we conducted a deep audit using a rigorous tool from The Reading League’s Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines. It helped us pinpoint strengths and areas for growth across skills like phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Once we had better data on how our current literacy model aligned with research, we wondered: Do we have the best literacy program out there for our Impact scholars?
We spent the 2023-2024 school year searching for the best literacy options available to our Impact teachers and scholars to determine if and how we would make a change. Here’s how we did it.
- A Clear Rubric for Excellence
We designed a scoring system to evaluate potential curricula, prioritizing:
- Alignment with Science of Reading research.
- Ease of use for teachers, students, and families.
- Operational fit, such as cost and scheduling.
- Alignment with Impact’s mission and values.
- Collaborative Research
We connected with schools and experts nationwide, reviewed materials, and visited classrooms using top-rated programs.
- Teacher Input
At every step, we involved our faculty. Through professional development sessions and hands-on reviews, their insights helped guide our decisions.
The Results: Two Game-Changing Programs
After months of research, two standout curricula emerged:
Fishtank ELA for Language Comprehension. Why we chose it:
- High alignment with research-based practices.
- Diverse, thoughtfully selected book lists.
- Here’s an example from the first grade Folktales Around the World unit.
- Strong literacy outcomes in other schools.
We spent a day of in-person Professional Development sharing the results of the search and rubric, giving faculty time to review Fishtank ELA curricular resources in depth, and asking for direct feedback. On their survey results, faculty shared strong positive feedback about Fishtank ELA. When asked, “On a scale of 1-5, how excited are you about a potential Fishtank pilot/adoption?” 68.7% of respondents rated a 4 or 5.
95% Core Phonics for Word Recognition. Why we chose it:
- Comprehensive coverage from Kindergarten to fifth grade.
- Proven effectiveness through rigorous studies.
- Clear alignment with Science of Reading principles.
When we went to school faculty for feedback on 95% Core Phonics, we got positive results similar to their feedback on Fishtank ELA. School faculty had the opportunity to dig into sample curricular materials and provide feedback directly to the Academics Team. Faculty were excited and eager for a 95% Core Phonics pilot or adoption.
Moving Forward
This school year, we’ve fully adopted Fishtank ELA and 95% Core Phonics at all Impact Public Schools. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers and scholars alike are diving into lessons with enthusiasm, and we’re already seeing the seeds of growth. When we are at school sites, we often hear, “My kids love 95%!,” “My scholars love the books in Fishtank,” “My kids are always excited for our Fishtank block,” and “My scholars have growth so much in writing so far this year.”
At Impact, we’re not just teaching students to read—we’re equipping them with the skills to explore the world, think critically, and write their own stories. With a literacy program grounded in research and love for learning, the future for our scholars is brighter than ever.
