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Florida's Groundbreaking Approval of SIPPS, Fifth Edition

In a significant move to enhance literacy education, the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) has recently greenlit the SIPPS, Fifth Edition program for K–3 English Language Arts intervention materials. This strategic decision is not just a formality; it reflects the growing recognition among educators of the program's efficacy in fostering reading skills, particularly for those students who require additional support.

SIPPS, which stands for Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words, is developed by Collaborative Classroom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based instructional materials. With its structured approach, SIPPS stands out as an effective tool that aligns with the science of reading, enabling schools across Florida to help their students improve rapidly while meeting the state's educational standards.

A Proven Solution in Action

Around the state, numerous districts have already been utilizing SIPPS, benefiting from its systematic method designed specifically for struggling readers. Kelly Stuart, the CEO, and President of Collaborative Classroom emphasized the importance of proficient reading as a cornerstone for academic success. She stated, "SIPPS has been proven to efficiently accelerate students' progress thanks to its systematic, explicit, differentiated, and evidence-based instruction."

The core aim of SIPPS is to facilitate swift transitions in reading ability, allowing students to gain independence in their reading efforts as rapidly as possible. The program’s comprehensive design enables learners to potentially master over two years' worth of content within a single academic year. This accelerated learning has been evidenced by teachers across Florida, illustrating how the program can enhance foundational reading skills significantly. For instance, Alexa Speicher, an ELA teacher in Hillsborough County, noted how one student improved dramatically—from a kindergarten to a third-grade reading level within just five months of SIPPS instruction, attending lessons twice a week.

Research-Backed Success

The effectiveness of SIPPS has been solidified through extensive research and rich narratives of success from classrooms statewide. A study conducted in the Pasco County School District found that students engaged in SIPPS not only outperformed their peers who participated in other intervention strategies but also demonstrated notable growth in their reading abilities. Such findings echo the need for programs like SIPPS, which are particularly beneficial for multilingual learners due to their clear and systematic teaching methods.

One of the defining characteristics of SIPPS is its teacher-friendly design, encompassing embedded professional learning, in-the-moment support, and a wealth of resources to assist educators in delivering compelling and effective instruction. The Curriculum’s framework encourages teacher development while they instruct, allowing opportunities to practice the most effective pedagogical strategies through every session.

The Collaborative Classroom Learning Portal is a treasure trove of digital resources, granting educators access to instructional materials, professional learning guidance, video tutorials, and essential updates. Additionally, Creative Classroom has introduced the CC AI Assistant, an innovative AI-powered tool to aid educators with implementation queries, thus enhancing their teaching quality.

Training and Support for Educators

Understanding that professional development is crucial for successful implementation, SIPPS offers flexible, scalable professional learning options. The SIPPS Educator Certification Course is designed to equip teachers with essential skills in an accommodating, self-paced manner, while the Trainer Certification Course empowers educators to foster skills across their districts.

Lastly, Collaborative Coaching provides personalized mentorship to each educator, helping them achieve their specific goals in implementing SIPPS and further supporting their development journey.

Enhanced Practice Resources

SIPPS equips teachers and students with an abundance of engaging practice resources to ensure comprehensive and deliberate practice. The instruction has been closely aligned with scientific learning principles, championing maximum engagement and immediate, strategic feedback during lessons. The CC PAL Practice App exemplifies such resources, enabling daily independent practice to foster skill mastery while the Decodable Book Collections encourage students to enhance their reading abilities through curated texts.

A Vision for the Future

Collaborative Classroom is excited to collaborate with new districts across Florida to implement SIPPS, enhancing the state's literacy efforts. As stated by Jolynn Bernard, Senior Regional Director at Collaborative Classroom, "The state's approval empowers Florida educators with the tools necessary to close foundational skill gaps early. SIPPS is truly accelerative—it puts students in the fast lane to reading success."

For more insights about how SIPPS can drive literacy growth in Florida and support district needs, feel free to visit collaborativeclassroom.org/florida-sipps/.

Reflecting on their mission, Collaborative Classroom stands firm in their commitment to transforming education, ensuring every child evolves into an adept reader and critical thinker—all while fostering respect and care in learning communities. Since its inception, their programs have reached millions of students and hundreds of thousands of educators nationwide, marking significant impacts on educational frameworks across the country.