Florida Boosts Early Literacy Efforts by Adopting Wilson Language Training Programs

Florida Launches Essential Literacy Programs

Florida is taking decisive action to combat the ebbing reading scores observed at both state and national levels. With the recent adoption of two educational programs from Wilson Language Training, the state aims to provide robust, evidence-based strategies for early literacy. The Wilson Reading System® (WRS) and Fundations® have been included in the 2024–25 English Language Arts (ELA) Instructional Materials Adoption List, marking a significant advancement in the state's educational initiatives.

This move comes in response to the alarming trend revealed in the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, which indicate that only one-third of fourth graders across the nation read at or above the proficiency level. Recognizing the pivotal nature of attaining literacy by the end of third grade, Florida has prioritized early reading initiatives through programs like Just Read, Florida! and now, the integration of high-quality instructional materials.

According to Keri Dixon, CEO of Wilson Language Training, this initiative represents a pivotal opportunity for strengthening literacy across Florida's schools. She emphasizes that the tools offered through the WRS and Fundations® are grounded in decades of research and are designed to meet the needs of educators and students alike. These programs are not only essential for foundational skills but also target students who are at risk of falling behind.

Program Details and Benefits

Fundations® is known for its systematic and explicit instruction that covers critical areas of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and handwriting. Its multisensory design makes it particularly effective for young learners in general education classrooms. Notably, this program has already been embraced by numerous high-performing districts in Florida, such as Collier, Flagler, St. Johns, Martin, Lake, Indian River, Clay, and Palm Beach.

Furthermore, the introduction of the Wilson Reading System® serves as an intervention tool specifically for third graders, offering targeted support to those who face challenges in their reading journey. This comprehensive approach empowers educators, providing them with the necessary resources to foster confident and capable readers among their students.

Wilson Language Training has a long-standing commitment to literacy advancement, focusing on structured literacy programs, professional learning, and a profound understanding of the Science of Reading. Its programs, including WRS, Fundations®, and Just Words®, strive to build a solid foundation for beginning readers and close the literacy gap for students facing difficulties, including those with dyslexia.

As Florida accelerates its journey toward improving literacy rates, it is worth noting that nearly 300,000 educators have already participated in Wilson's training courses, with 25,000 achieving WRS Level I Certification. These initiatives highlight not just a commitment to improving educational outcomes but also a vision for 'Literacy for All.'

In summary, Florida's adoption of Wilson Language Training programs signals a strategic and research-backed effort to uplift early literacy within its schools, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to become a proficient reader and succeed academically. This step represents hope for educators and students alike, paving the way for better literacy outcomes in the future.