Reading intervention is intensive instruction that aims to accelerate the reading skills of students who are below grade level. It is often implemented in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, like Tier 2.
Individual reading interventions offer many benefits for students who struggle with reading. Teachers can tailor their instruction to address specific learning needs, such as phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
Individual
Individual reading intervention programs are designed to bridge the gap between students’ current reading skills and grade-level expectations. They provide intensive instructional support by focusing on the foundational skills of decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
In general, if kids are allowed to read books that appeal to them and at levels that challenge them without being penalized they become excited about reading and show much more improvement than kids forced to do required self-selected reading. This is likely due to the fact that reading for fun is a very low-stress activity that also reduces stress in children.
Beanstack removes all limitations from the way kids engage with books, which allows them to explore more complex texts and build their reading confidence without being penalized for doing so. This nonjudgmental approach helps them build empathy for characters and internalize their emotions, which can help them to be more understanding of the world around them. These are all important aspects of a strong, healthy reader.
Group
Group reading intervention offers a more structured, focused learning environment than whole-class instruction. This type of instruction also allows for differentiated teaching methods to address the varied needs of students in a small group. Research shows that effective group reading instruction requires consistency and frequency, as well as highly engaging materials. This includes a mix of fiction and nonfiction texts that are appropriate for students’ reading levels, challenging yet accessible, and interesting to the group members.
For tier 3 instruction to be effective, it should include targeted instruction addressing the five core elements of reading proficiency: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. It should also incorporate writing to support the development of students’ comprehension skills. One of the challenges in implementing these intensive instructional practices is limited school and staff resources. Educators may need to seek creative alternatives such as community tutoring programs and/or parent volunteers. Alternatively, teachers could consider using online group-based instruction to supplement classroom reading instruction.
School-Based
Reading intervention is a critical component of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. It is an intensive, targeted reading instruction offered to students who perform below grade level on state tests and universal screening measures.
To provide effective reading intervention, it’s important to incorporate a variety of research-based strategies and programs. These reading programs can be used to differentiate literacy instruction and ensure every student receives the individualized support they need. Some programs, such as Lexia(r) Core5(r), offer a push-in model where teachers can deliver reading intervention in the classroom while others, like Let’s Go Learn, are web-based and give educators real-time data to make actionable decisions.
Using a structured literacy approach, these reading programs teach essential skills and strategies that can help students succeed with the curriculum. For example, these programs include phonological awareness lessons to develop the ability to recognize and manipulate the smallest units of sound in spoken language, known as phonemes. They also emphasize vocabulary development, morphological awareness, and the ability to relate text to self.
Online
Online reading intervention programs offer a range of benefits. For example, students are able to progress at their own pace, and teachers can focus on the skills that need to be developed. Online programs also help support social-emotional learning, which is critical to a student’s success in school and beyond.
These online programs offer diagnostic assessments, individualized instruction using Specially Designed Instruction and real-time tracking and progress monitoring. They can be used in conjunction with the RTI and MTSS frameworks to improve reading outcomes for all students.
For example, Fusion Academy uses a patented online platform that provides comprehensive student data to educators and parents. The data includes the student’s reading level, reading fluency, time spent on Lexia and other indicators of progress. Additionally, the program addresses soft skills such as self-awareness, motivation, metacognition and time management. These are essential to helping students build a solid foundation for academic achievement and lifelong literacy skills. In addition, the program offers professional development for teachers and instructional aides.