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.
Wisdom from the field: Lessons learned through school partnerships
Twenty years ago, 95 Percent Group was founded on a simple but profound idea that remains our guiding principle today: with the right instruction from skilled teachers, 95 percent or more of children could learn to read.
We have to make sure that we’re giving all students what they need. Students cannot be successful in life, or in school, unless they can read.
Mike Looney, EdD Superintendent, Fulton County Schools, Georgia
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
A guide to science of reading implementation for school leaders
Effective Science of Reading implementation isn’t just about choosing evidence-based materials—it’s about building a strategic, district-wide vision and support system that sustains lasting instructional change.
It’s not just about buying a program; leaders have to follow through with how to ensure the program is being used well in order to get the best outcomes for students.
Cassandra Novack Literacy Expert and Regional Consultant Manager, 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
Spotlight Michigan: A literacy ecosystem for sustainable reading growth
Lansing School District moved from one of the lowest-performing districts in Michigan to achieving the highest growth in ELA proficiency by building a sustainable literacy ecosystem grounded in evidence-based instruction, aligned tools, and intentional coaching. This transformation highlights what’s possible when systems, support, and the science of reading work together.
The growth has kept the fire going with us. We can see that there is progress. We can see that our teachers are striving to help our students achieve more. And one of the things they kept asking for was resources.
Heather Guerra Director of instruction L-8, Lansing School District, MI
Orthographic mapping: The key to building strong readers
Orthographic mapping is essential for helping students become strong, fluent readers by enabling them to automatically recognize words and connect sounds to letters for lasting retention. When educators intentionally build these connections, students gain the accuracy and confidence needed for long-term reading success.
Word recognition is essentially having words stored permanently in your long-term memory—it’s your ability to read words efficiently, accurately, and effectively. That’s the ultimate goal we have for all of our students.
Dian Prestwich Literacy expert and professional learning 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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