BOSTON (Sept. 11, 2024) – Two new studies from Texas and Florida show that students in elementary schools that use Lexia Core5 Reading (Core5) exhibit greater growth in literacy skills than students in schools that do not use the adaptive blended learning program. The newly published State Impact Reports build upon a deep body of research demonstrating that Core5 from Lexia, a Cambium Learning Group brand, improves learning outcomes and closes literacy gaps.
Core5 is an evidence-based program that accelerates the development of foundational and advanced literacy skills based on the science of reading for students in grades preK-5. It provides students of all abilities — from at-risk to on-level and advanced — a systematic and structured approach to phonological awareness, oral language, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
“Elementary reading proficiency is crucial to students’ overall academic success,” said Lexia President, Nick Gaehde. “With recent reading score decreases nationwide, it has become even more critical to accelerate reading growth for students through effective interventions. What these new State Impact Reports show - whether there were differences at the student level in Texas or the school level in Florida - is that Core5 is a program that can help schools reduce the risk of students not meeting grade-level standards while providing accelerated and on-track students the instruction they need to thrive.”
Texas – Scoring up to 5 points higher on state assessments
In the new Texas study, researchers analyzed the 2022 and 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Reading Language Arts (RLA) scores for students in grade 3-5 across 4,965 Texas schools. Of these, 1,448 schools used Core5 in the 2022-23 school year.
The Texas State Impact Report indicates that students in schools that used Core5 scored 4 to 5 points higher, on average, on the STAAR RLA assessment than students at schools that did not use Core5. In addition, students at Core5 schools correctly answered more reading and writing items on the STAAR RLA assessment than students at non-Core5 schools.
“Several Texas districts began implementing Core5 as part of a statewide initiative that advocated for instructional materials utilizing evidence-based science of reading practices,” said Gaehde. “As the analyses in this study show, students at Core5 schools had higher reading and writing proficiency, which demonstrates that the districts’ investment in Core5 is making an impact.”
Florida – Raising test scores in underperforming schools
In the Florida study, researchers examined English language arts (ELA) scores on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) for students in grades 3-5 across 158 elementary schools that received a D or F rating from the state for the 2022-23 school year. Of these, 22 schools used Core5.
According to the Florida State Impact Report, the schools whose students used Core5 had ELA FAST scores that were 1.5 points higher than similar schools whose students did not have access to Core5. The strongest effect occurred in grade 5, with Core5 schools scoring an average of 3 points higher than non-Core5 schools.
“In underperforming schools, a 1.5-point difference in school achievement can elevate the performance rating for those near the threshold between a D and a C rating,” said Gaehde. “Additionally, for students still struggling to master foundational reading skills, Core5 can help them fill in skill gaps which can increase the likelihood of reading proficiency.”
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About Lexia
Lexia®, a Cambium Learning Group brand, is a leader in science of reading-based solutions. For 40 years, the company has focused on pre-K-12 literacy and today provides solutions for students and educators. With a complete offering of professional learning, curriculum, and embedded assessment, Lexia helps more learners read, write, and speak with confidence. For more information, visit www.lexialearning.com.
About Cambium Learning Group
Cambium Learning Group is the education essentials company, providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 educators and students. With an intentional collection of respected global brands, Cambium serves as a leader, helping millions of educators and students feel more seen, valued, and supported every day. In everything it does, the company focuses on the elements that are most essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a meaningful difference right now.
To learn more, visit www.cambiumlearning.com or follow Cambium on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. The Cambium family of brands includes: Cambium Assessment®, Lexia®, Learning A-Z®, ExploreLearning®, and Time4Learning®.
