Literacy Lift-Off results in significant gains
- Shanda Crosby
- Aug 28, 2025
- 2 min read
Our summer Literacy Lift-Off program resulted in a launch of epic proportions.
Over just 18 instructional days, students who attended consistently soared to an average literacy gain of 40.8%. Even students who missed more than three days showed nearly a 20% gain.
Year two of Literacy Lift-Off ran three days a week in both June and July, emphasizing targeted literacy instruction every single day.
“After witnessing strong gains from the first Literacy Lift-Off in 2024, we brought it back this summer with targeted focus,” said Kelly Fithen, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer.
Small class sizes of 12 students or fewer allowed our educators to meet students at their level, providing individualized support and pushing them toward meaningful growth.
The secret? Intentionality.
“We are so proud of the work of our district academic team who analyzed data to determine how to best meet each student where they are and take them across that finish line,” Ms. Fithen said.
The program’s teaching staff of 17 took it from there. “Our teaching team for this program was first-class,” Ms. Fithen said. “Every minute of our time together was packed with focused instruction and fun, engaging experiences that helped build strong reading and writing skills.”
The transformational gains achieved through Literacy Lift-Off are helping students catch up or get ahead, boosting their confidence, and promoting a love for reading.
“What we accomplished in just six weeks is nothing short of extraordinary,” Ms. Fithen said. “It is the result of dedicated teachers and support staff who truly care about our students and their success. It is just beyond belief the amount of time, effort, and support that our staff poured into this program.”
Literacy Lift-Off Staff: Tiffany Austin, Amy Blair, Amy Bowling, Kent Coogle, Adriana Estrada, Jordan Fulks, Sherry Fulks, Emily Harrison, Alyson Hill, Rob Hill, Jennifer Kelley, Abby McCormick, Rebecca Norton, William Mullins, Amber Murphy, Renee Perry, Tobi Sadler, Amy Shoemaker, Amanda Shroats, Robin Simunovic, Elizabeth Vallejo, Geneva Williams, Misty Wilson
