We’ll Have What They’re Having: Exponential Reading Growth that Counts

Achieving exponential growth in reading is the ultimate goal for every district leader. However, solving the literacy crisis requires more than just hope; it demands actionable plans and proven strategies. In this inspiring webinar, we open the doors to leaders from two distinct districts: the East Orange School District in New Jersey and the Lake Elsinore Unified School District in California. They share their blueprints for success and explain how they continuously improve literacy outcomes for their students.

Shifting the Paradigm: From Intervention to Inclusion

For years, many districts relied on pull-out methods for struggling readers. Shannon Pinck and Kate Dampier from Lake Elsinore describe how this approach often limited access to the core curriculum and separated students from their peers. In this session, you will discover how they shifted their mindset. Instead of removing students, they brought the intervention directly to the classroom. Consequently, they ensured that students with disabilities and those in general education interventions could access rigorous, standards-based curriculum alongside their classmates.

Igniting a Culture of Reading

Yukima Vannoy of East Orange shares how her district tackled flatlining reading scores by making reading relevant and exciting. You will hear about their massive success with initiatives such as the “10-day instructional cycle” and the Summer Reading Launch Party. By treating reading as a community celebration—complete with food trucks, marching bands, and local authors—East Orange fostered a genuine love for literacy. As a result, they witnessed a staggering 900% increase in reading volume over two years.

The Role of Human-Read Audiobooks

Both districts utilized a specific, powerful tool to bridge the gap: human-read audiobooks. The panelists explain how the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution allowed students to access grade-level content, regardless of their decoding levels. This approach reduces cognitive load, builds vocabulary, and boosts student confidence. You will hear touching stories of students who, for the first time, realized they could be readers and join conversations about popular books like Harry Potter.

Aligning with the Science of Reading

Finally, this session touches on the critical balance required by the Science of Reading. The speakers discuss how they integrate foundational skills with language comprehension to support the whole child. By ensuring students have equitable access to rich text, these leaders are preparing students not just for tests, but for life.

Join us to learn how you can replicate this success and drive exponential reading growth in your district. Register now!