#USA #Bethesda #literacy #EPS Learning #SPIRE Up

SPIRE Up Academic Achievement

EPS Learning recently announced that their SPIRE Up program has received ESSA Level 3 (Promising) validation, highlighting its impactful results in bolstering students' literacy skills. This accomplishment is based on an independent evaluation conducted by LXD Research during the 2025-26 academic year, involving students from grades 3 to 8 who are still developing essential decoding skills. The program specifically targets students in special education, aiming to enhance their foundational reading capabilities.

Effective Intervention for Special Education Students

SPIRE Up is an innovative literacy intervention that builds on the successful SPIRE program, which has already attained ESSA Level 1 (Strong) evidence. This new approach combines explicit, teacher-led Structured Literacy instruction with digital assessments and monitoring tools. As educators utilize SPIRE Up, they can provide focused assistance to students who need the most help.

In a recent study held in Martin County School District, around 115 students were monitored over a period of 16 weeks. During this time, reading specialists and special education teachers implemented SPIRE Up in small group settings as a Tier 3 intervention. The study yielded statistically significant improvements in the students’ reading abilities, as measured by DIBELS Oral Reading Fluency and Maze assessments.

Exceptional Progress Indicated in Results

The outcomes were notable, as a majority of the participating students showed reading growth that met or surpassed the expectations typical for special education demographics. Researchers attributed this significant advancement to SPIRE Up’s systematic teaching methods in phonics and word recognition. Its gradual release instructional model, coupled with effective tools for consistent implementation, played a crucial role in helping students achieve greater literacy success.

Insights from Educators

Karis Sullivan, Instructional Coach for Exceptional Student Education in Martin County, articulated the transformational potential of SPIRE Up: “Every student has a spark—SPIRE Up is the way for our ESE students to shine. It's more than a program; it's a promise that growth and potential in foundational skills will never go unnoticed. SPIRE Up has unlocked our students' abilities through more complex activities by utilizing a blended program style that provides teacher-led explicit instruction and technological support.”

Commitment to Literacy Advancement

For over 70 years, EPS Learning has been dedicated to supporting educators and enhancing literacy, which serves as a fundamental stepping stone for lifelong learning. The portfolio of EPS Learning features over 20 literacy solutions informed by the science of reading, catering to students from PreK through grade 12. The company has pledged to provide evidence-based interventions and tailored professional development, setting students on a path toward ongoing growth and mastery in reading skills.

As SPIRE Up continues to demonstrate remarkable effectiveness, it stands as a testament to how dedicated educational interventions can make a decisive difference in students’ literacy journeys. EPS Learning's commitment to improving educational outcomes provides hope and opportunity for all learners, particularly those in special education.

Conclusion

The validation of SPIRE Up at the ESSA Level 3 reinforces its potential as a robust tool in the literacy intervention landscape. As educators leverage this program, more students can unlock their reading capabilities, fostering a brighter future for all.