By Jeanne Jeup, IMSE CEO and Co-Founder
According to the National Literacy Institute, approximately 40% of students across the nation and 70% of low-income fourth-grade students cannot read at a basic level. Solving the literacy crisis is a collective effort and requires the immediate attention of education leaders across the country. Luckily, the science of reading and IMSE’s evidence-based approach have been proven effective time and again – solving learning gaps and unlocking literacy success for every student.
Celebrating Progress
In reflecting on the last year, I’d like to share a handful of literacy success stories and significant developments that I hope will inspire educational leaders and teachers to take action for their students in 2025.
20%+ Improvements in Multiple Metrics for One Dedicated District
In light of the severity of the literacy crisis, many states and districts have taken to implementing strategies based on the science of reading. Take Hancock County Schools (HCS) in Hawesville, Kentucky. In 2021, with over half of its students unable to read at grade level and stagnating scores, HCS began implementing the IMSE approach to better support its students as they learn to read.
- From 2021 to 2024, HCS students made huge strides in their literacy journey, and according to the 2023 NAEP Report Card, the district has made improvements above 20% in multiple metrics, compared to an average 2% annual increase in reading proficiency for U.S. students.
- The school saw a 28% reduction in deficient readers and a 23% increase in proficient readers.
Big Literacy Wins for At-Risk Youth
The Monarch School, an alternative K-12 school in San Diego for unhoused youth and their families, serves as another testament to the effectiveness of IMSE and its literacy approach based on the science of reading.
- Over the last three years, Monarch has trained all its faculty members in IMSE methods, which has had an unprecedented impact on student reading outcomes.
- The school’s mid-year testing in 2023 reflected that almost every student in K-5 improved drastically in their reading abilities.
Thousands of Training Sessions Done
So far in 2024, IMSE has held a total of 1,212 trainings across every state in the U.S. and 27,138 educators have completed IMSE training! We know that these newly trained educators will have a great impact on boosting literacy outcomes for thousands of students in the years to come.
A New Literacy Movement Revealed
IMSE launched its Reader Leader movement in the summer of 2024, telling the stories of districts, schools, teachers and students who have overcome great challenges in literacy. We will continue to build the movement, sharing new case studies, resources and advice from Reader Leaders across the country to help districts make positive strides in reading outcomes.
A New Foundation Takes Flight
The IMSE Foundation, also born in ‘24, is another bright spot for literacy. Fueled by its mission of increasing educator access to literacy training, the Foundation will continue to fundraise and award teachers with funds for IMSE courses. It has already awarded five scholarships to teachers, providing them with access to literacy tools that will meet the needs of every student at every level. The Foundation is set to pave the way for continued educator and student reading success – and we will continue to share these stories in 2025.
What’s Ahead in 2025
K-12 districts will continue to face uphill challenges in the new year, including staff shortages, teacher burnout, funding shortfalls, and concerns about student mental health. Perseverance will remain crucial and IMSE is committed to helping. As your ultimate literacy ally, we will unveil exciting new resources and support for educators in 2025.
So, stay tuned to IMSE and the Reader Leader movement – and best wishes for continued success in your districts and classrooms.
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