Program Description
Really Great Reading (RGR) offers foundational literacy solutions grounded in the science of reading. RGR provides teachers with professional development and structured curriculum resources to deliver explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, decoding, encoding, and fluency. RGR offers the Countdown (Kindergarten), Blast (Grade 1), and HD Word (Grades 2–3) programs that leverage intuitive and engaging print and online teacher tools to support implementation. Instruction is systematic and cumulative, designed to address the needs of a wide range of learners, including those receiving Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 support. The programs emphasize ease of use, incremental professional development, and efficient instruction, incorporating digital lesson delivery tools that standardize instruction, minimize prep time, and provide opportunities for repeated student practice.
Program Outcomes
A quasi-experimental study examined the impact of Really Great Reading in one urban charter school network in the eastern United States during the first two years of implementation (2021–22 and 2022–23). The sample included just over 1,000 students in Grades 1–3 across 13 schools. The student population was predominantly Black (99%), with 13% receiving special education services. Students were considered RGR users if their teacher completed the required professional development and logged into the RGR platform; these students were compared to peers taught by teachers who did not use RGR.
Results showed significant positive effects for younger students. Grade 1 and grade 2 students receiving RGR instruction scored higher on the NWEA MAP® Reading Growth assessment in winter 2022 (effect size = +0.30, +0.24). Grade 3 RGR students did not outperform the growth of the non-users on the winter administration of the NWEA MAP (effect size = -0.13).
Overall, RGR averaged positive and lasting impacts for early elementary students, qualifying for a Promising rating.
Staffing Requirements
Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, or tutors can deliver instruction. No additional staff is required.
Professional Development/Training
PD includes five self-paced, interactive online courses (approx. 6 hours); first two to be completed before beginning instruction and remaining three to be completed after instruction has begin. Training can also be completed in a 6 hour in person PD session.
Technology
Blast Online and HD Word Online are web-based teacher presentation tools that accompany the Lesson Plan Teacher Guide Sets; the online tools reduce teacher prep time, include visual supports and practice opportunities, and can be accessed on any device, including whiteboards, projectors, laptops, and tablets. Students can play games in the Reading Playground to independently practice the foundational literacy skills they are learning in Blast and HD Word. Teachers can also leverage the Reading Playground for assessment, progress monitoring, and targeted instructional decision-making.