SPIRE 4th Edition Soars to Top of ESSA Standards, Enhancing Literacy Outcomes

SPIRE 4th Edition Achieves Major Milestone in Educational Effectiveness

A recent groundbreaking study reveals that SPIRE® 4th Edition, developed by EPS Learning, has reached remarkable heights in educational effectiveness. Conducted by LXD Research, this comprehensive randomized controlled trial validated that SPIRE promotes significant strides in reading proficiency among students from Kindergarten through fifth grade, specifically targeting high-needs learners. By successfully meeting Tier 1 standards set by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), SPIRE is establishing itself as a crucial tool in combating literacy challenges.

Research Highlights

The study took place during the 2024–25 academic year, involving 362 students from 20 urban schools across Kentucky. The participants included those identified under Tier 2 and Tier 3 classifications, as well as students with special education needs, including dyslexia and other learning differences. The findings were striking: students taught using the SPIRE methodology exhibited noticeably greater improvements in oral reading fluency compared to their peers in the control group. Given that oral reading fluency serves as a strong indicator of overall reading proficiency, the implications of these findings are profound.

Quantitative and Qualitative Results

After carefully adjusting for baseline scores and various demographic factors, SPIRE students demonstrated statistically significant gains in reading achievement. This evidence underscores SPIRE's ability to deliver measurable enhancements in literacy skills for struggling readers. Moreover, qualitative feedback from participating educators provided additional insights into the program's effectiveness. Teachers highlighted SPIRE's ease of implementation and its structured, multisensory approach to learning. The use of hands-on manipulatives not only fueled engagement but also transformed phonics practice into enjoyable, game-like activities, helping to reduce anxiety and empowering students to embrace learning challenges.

Dr. Janine Walker-Caffrey, the Chief Academic Officer at EPS Learning, stated, "This pivotal research underscores the efficacy of SPIRE. It validates three decades of our dedicated commitment to evidence-based education by demonstrating that SPIRE's multisensory approach can yield tangible results for our most at-risk students. Schools that invest in proven interventions like SPIRE equip learners with the foundational skills they need for literacy success."

Comprehensively Designed for Diverse Needs

SPIRE 4th Edition is built on the Orton-Gillingham approach, providing an expansive, research-based framework designed to help students achieve reading and literacy goals from pre-K through eighth grade and beyond. The program encompasses essential reading components, including phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through carefully structured, teacher-led lessons. Such versatility ensures that SPIRE can adapt to a variety of educational contexts, addressing the needs of diverse learner populations.

The EPS Learning Commitment

EPS Learning has been a dedicated partner to educators for over 70 years, striving to elevate literacy as a foundational skill for enduring learning and opportunities. Their EPS Literacy Suite is grounded in the science of reading and aims to support all tiers of instruction, from PreK to 12th grade. EPS Learning continues to champion evidence-based intervention tools and professional learning mechanisms to foster growth, mastery, and success in students.

For more detailed information about the SPIRE 4th Edition program and its transformative impact on literacy education, visit the EPS Learning website at www.epslearning.com.