RCF Earns National Recognition for Transforming Literacy Outcomes

 

A new independent study conducted by LXD Research validates the effectiveness of RCF’s Model School approach in addressing the literacy crisis.

RCF’s structured literacy training and implementation support has now earned the prestigious ESSA Evidence Badge for Tier 3 Promising Evidence for K-2, making it a nationally recognized solution for improving literacy outcomes for all students, including and especially students who are significantly below grade level.

Key Findings from the Study

Schools participating in RCF’s structured literacy training and support programs achieved annual growth up to 3x higher than the national norm.

Students in Grades K-2 showed greater literacy growth in the second year of implementation compared to the first, with first graders making significant gains in literacy scores and second graders reaching proficiency benchmarks at significantly higher rates. This year-over-year increase in literacy growth highlights how continued structured literacy instruction and sustained coaching support can amplify student outcomes over time.

Students in urgent need of literacy support made exceptional progress:

  • Kindergarteners exceeded expected growth by 78%.
  • First graders surpassed expected growth by 198%.
  • Second graders achieved growth 214% higher than the national average.

These outcomes were validated by the International Certification for Evidence in Education (ICEIE), ensuring their credibility.

Why This Matters

The literacy crisis affects millions of children worldwide, with reading challenges disproportionately impacting underserved communities. RCF’s structured literacy training, implementation support and aligned classroom materials equips educators with the tools to reverse these trends, empowering students to build a foundation for lifelong success.

“This study affirms the transformative power that structured literacy practices that are informed by the Orton-Gillingham approach can have on ALL students. The approach works – there is no doubt about that. But what our team is most inspired by are the educators, leaders, and most importantly, the kiddos who worked so hard to achieve this success. These numbers represent actual children whose lives will be changed simply because they know how to read,”

Jennifer Knopf

President, REED Charitable Foundation

Links

General Audience Press Release

Education-Specific Press Release

Full LXD Research Report

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