Insights
At 95 Percent Group, our pursuit of literacy extends far beyond the classroom. We’re committed to sharing research, resources, and expertise as we advance the science of reading and empower educators everywhere.
Spotlight Ohio: Tier 3 intervention in action
Fairless Local School District in Ohio started boldly with full district training in the science of reading in 2016. Today, they have implemented structured literacy in Tier 1 and Tier 2 across K-5, and they have strong, aligned Tier 3 instruction as well as a successful pilot for Tier 3 in Middle School. Students and teachers are thriving in an ecosystem of aligned tiers and shared routines.
95 RAP has been a game changer for the teachers and specialists. It’s the consistency. It’s the ability for teachers to expand on their knowledge of the science of reading with the convenience and prep time saved by just being able to get into the program, and not be bound to such a tight script that they sound like a robot.
Adam Amato MTSS and instructional coach, Fairless Local School District, OH
As educators, our knowledge is our power. In sharing all that we know with one another, we can focus our impact on what matters most — unlocking the power of literacy for every child.
Laura Stewart
95 Percent Group announces availability of Spanish literacy tool
95 El muro de sonidos y deletreo addresses the critical need to provide educators who teach Spanish language arts with evidence-aligned tools for foundational instruction.
More students than ever are receiving instruction in Spanish, and it’s critical that we get it right. 95 El muro de sonidos y deletreo is a trusted, proven resource for helping students make meaningful, crosslinguistic connections between Spanish and English that strengthen their skills in both languages, which is the key to building strong biliteracy skills.
Dr. Antonio Fierro Literacy expert in residence at 95 Percent Group
Early literacy: What it is, why it matters, and how to support it
Early literacy lays the foundation for lifelong learning by developing the key skills children need to read with fluency and comprehension, and this post breaks down what it is, why it matters, and practical ways educators and families can support it.
It’s clear today that language development in the first three years of life lays the foundation for literacy acquisition. This foundation continues to be built upon or not, to be fostered and nourished or not, until a child arrives at school for the first time. And this is where we really see the differences.
Kayla Hindman Literacy Consultant, 95 Percent Group
How to choose a science of reading-aligned program
This comprehensive guide helps educators and school leaders navigate the process of selecting a science of reading-aligned literacy program including outlining key components to look for in evidence-based programs, red flags to avoid, and practical questions to ask vendors.
A literacy program chosen by a district or school isn’t just about materials—it shapes both how teachers teach literacy and therefore ultimately impacts how students learn to read.
Diana Betts, EdD Early Literacy Expert and Regional Consultant Manager
Literacy screeners vs. diagnostics: What school leaders should know
What’s the difference between literacy screeners and diagnostic assessments—and when should schools use each? This guide breaks down how both tools work together to identify struggling readers and inform targeted instruction.
Informal diagnostics provide precise and actionable data that directly informs instruction, helping educators identify the holes or gaps so they can plan targeted intervention.
Jennifer Delano-Gemzik, EdD Literacy expert and consultant, 95 Percent Group
Inside a successful district literacy overhaul: grants, teams, and long-term planning
By aligning resources, building educator capacity, and focusing on sustainable practices, this district achieved meaningful improvements in reading outcomes. The story highlights how strategic planning and intentional support can create a literacy system that lasts.
When you are singular in mind with everyone, and you’ve committed to the work together, it allows you to stay focused and not distracted by shiny things. We have always found the money, either through local, federal, or state opportunities that we could take advantage of. Having all of your groundwork articulated and clearly available to people is key. Then, when it comes time for that grant application, you’re not trying to write everything. Because you’ve already worked on it for such a long time, it writes itself.
Jim Monti Former Director of Educational Reform, Compliance & Technology at West Warwick Public Schools
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