#Really Great Reading #Mississippi #OxEd

Expanding Literacy Solutions in Mississippi

In a significant move to enhance literacy education across Mississippi, Really Great Reading (RGR) and OxEd—an innovative spinout from the University of Oxford—have announced a partnership that marries evidence-based literacy instruction with advanced oral language assessment tools. This collaboration, recently approved by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), aims to address the urgent need for effective literacy interventions for students.

A New Era in Literacy Instruction

The joint initiative between RGR and OxEd represents a pivotal shift in how districts approach reading education. With MDE's endorsement, RGR's foundational literacy solutions for students ranging from PreK to 12th grade, complemented by OxEd's specialized oral language resources, have officially been recognized as effective tools that align with the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards (MCCRS).

This integrated approach means that schools will be able to adopt these evidence-based solutions as part of Tier II and Tier III academic interventions, making it much easier for educators to enhance reading outcomes for their students.

Foundation in the Science of Reading

RGR's literacy programs are firmly rooted in the Science of Reading, emphasizing structured literacy. This method provides comprehensive and explicit instruction in critical areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and other foundational skills necessary for both early learners and those who are struggling with reading. For over twenty years, RGR has dedicated itself to transforming educational research into practical classroom applications through a carefully designed scope and sequence, designed to expedite reading development in students.

The merger of RGR's offerings with OxEd’s rigorous assessment tools enhances the overall educational experience. OxEd's tools have been proven to drive significant language growth—up to seven months—providing essential support in building literacy foundations.

Addressing the Urgent Need

The necessity for effective literacy instruction in schools has never been more pressing. The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals ongoing challenges in reading achievement, highlighting a dire need for instructional solutions that yield measurable results—not just theoretical alignment.

Karl Rectanus, CEO of Really Great Reading, emphasizes that this approval is not merely a bureaucratic milestone, but a vital step toward accountability in instructional practices.