Choosing a literacy learning program is a pivotal decision in education. It demands a methodical approach. Begin by clarifying specific literacy goals and the age group you intend to serve. Research available programs, considering factors like instructional quality, alignment with curriculum standards, and adaptability to diverse learners. Evaluate program materials, focusing on engaging content and learning resources. Consider professional development opportunities for teachers to effectively implement the chosen program.
Determine costs, including licenses, materials, and ongoing support. Conduct pilot testing to assess program suitability and gather feedback from educators and students. Ultimately, select a program that best aligns with your educational objectives and learners' needs. The other Important factors that you should consider and measure against your specific needs when selecting a literacy learning program are:
1. Assessments and instructional content that is aligned to your Student Learning Standards.
2. Provide and track Lexile levels for assessment, data reporting and appropriate academic placement. The ability to track Lexile scores is a mandatory requirement.
3. The ability to personalize content.
4. The ability to provide literacy content in an adaptable blended learning environment for students who are two or more years below grade level. The program expectations are to accelerate reading growth to be on grade level within 1-2 years.
5. An interactive format that is friendly for students, teachers and administrators, any consumable workbooks and teacher editions as needed.
6. The program must provide cross curricular content for grade levels 4-12; including literacy
interventions, reading inventory, and phonics inventory.
7. Licenses that can be used for a full calendar year so that students and teachers can use the program in the summer without incurring additional expense.
8. Reports that are user friendly and easy to interpret and can be customized to show different intervals of time. (ex. weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly driven by data), for the purposes of progress monitoring.
9. The option for data to be archived and accessible for future review inclusive of year to year progress
10. Technical support that is responsive.
Selecting a literacy learning program involves clarifying goals, researching options, assessing materials, considering teacher training, and budgeting. Pilot testing and gathering feedback from educators and students are essential steps to choose a program that aligns with your objectives and meets students' needs effectively.