SERP News

Ready, Set...Rest (and Recharge!)

We’re excited to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed study on the Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention (STARI), featured in the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness on June 3, 2025. Article Title: An Evaluation of the Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention (STARI) in an Urban School District During the COVID-19 Pandemic Authors: Margaret Troyer (SERP Institute), Marie-Andrée Somers (MDRC), and Lowry Hemphill (Wheelock College, Boston University)  Read the full article here.

Skills Predict Algebra 1 Success, Rethinking Education, Educational Choice for Children Act

Invest in Your Practice with Live Virtual STARI Professional Learning This Summer

Wrapping Up Another Year and Looking Ahead

Push for Civics Education, Ed Researchers Sue Government, Guide to Stronger Math Instruction

We're thrilled to share that the SERP has been featured on Tumult's official blog for our innovative use of Tumult Hype in developing interactive learning materials.

We’re excited to share what the STARI team has been up! Here’s a quick recap of key updates, resources, and ways to stay engaged.

Federal Courts & DEI, Grading Special Report, Math Performance Outliers

NAEP, Common Sense Tech Use, U.S. Students Losing Ground

Maryland's New Math Classes, After Pandemic Aid, Science of Student Motivation

STARI On The Road: Key Takeaways From This Month's Conferences

In a recent article by The 74, " Training Teachers Like Doctors: Going From the Bare Minimum to Intensive Prep ", the focus is on the growing trend of teacher residency programs that mirror medical residencies. These programs emphasize hands-on practice, focused research, and sustained mentorship to better prepare educators for the classroom. Suzanne Donovan, Executive Director of SERP, highlighted the potential of the apprenticeship model in these programs. She noted that such an approach allows for more practical training and continuous support, which are crucial for developing effective teaching practices.

300+ Educators Joined Us & More Exciting Updates!

EdWeek Webinar Accelerate Reading Growth in Grades 6 and Beyond

Here are our top 5 ways to learn about STARI: 

Geometry joins the circle of ByExample math resources!

Today, students are expected to generate ideas, to explain their thinking, and to make and defend arguments using evidence. This requires an entirely different kind of talk– Academically Productive Talk . The new Academically Productive Talk (APT) website provides resources for teachers and teacher educators to facilitate this necessary pedagogical shift.

Good teaching comes with lots of questions. Come share your questions and your answers. Be a part of the STARI community and collaborate with teachers from across the country. STARI Community Forums will continue throughout the 2024-25 school year.

SERP designers work directly with leading researchers to create products that address specific challenges in K-12 schools that have been identified by practitioners. Solutions emerge through an iterative design process that carefully considers learning outcomes, support for teachers, student agency, and equitable access. Please enjoy exploring the resources below, and feel free to share your experiences using them with us at info@serpinstitute.org.

You asked, and we answered! STARI teachers reported that student absences are the single biggest challenge they face. And it’s not just you! The nation’s schools are facing an unprecedented attendance crisis.

Unit 4.1 is ready to go! The Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention (STARI) has been used and loved by 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teachers and students since 2014. And we know STARI works! That’s why we decided to expand STARI to specifically serve high school students, too. Many schools already use Series 3 in 9th and 10th grades. Now, SERP is introducing STARI Series 4, designed to meet the needs of high school struggling readers. Series 4 will be rolled out over the course of this school year.

BE PART OF OUR RESEARCH STUDY! Your school is invited to participate in a study of the Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention (STARI), a program loved by both teachers and students. All participating schools will receive the intervention either immediately (2025-26 school year), or after a two-year delay (2027-28). Participating schools will receive all STARI materials and professional learning opportunities and resources. Schools will also have access to the ETS ReadBasix assessment, free of charge during assigned implementation years.

We have evidence that STARI works , and this award will allow the program to expand and be evaluated for its effectiveness with students, teachers, schools, and districts in more varied contexts and locations around the country.

Grades 4 and 5 125+ assignments available! Fractions • Decimals • Place Value • Multi-Digit Numbers • Measurement • Geometry • Volume • Ordered Pairs • and more!

As the nature of work in the 21st century continues to evolve, students will need access to high quality mathematics teaching and learning that prepares them for college and career. Schools and districts are being tasked to provide professional development opportunities for teachers to support changes in instructional practice.

The evidence is clear. The Strategic Adolescent Reading Intervention (STARI) accelerates the development of reading skills among adolescents who struggle with reading in Grades 6-9. Educators know that many students continue to need help with foundational reading skills beyond elementary school, and for the last decade STARI has been proven effective in providing that support. But now, with the unprecedented situation of students experiencing an extended period of remote instruction, there will be a massive need for the accelerated reading development STARI provides. STARI is uniquely designed to thoroughly engage students in building their reading and comprehension skills. The themes are complex and age-appropriate for older students, even though STARI builds foundational literacy skills together with grade-level reading skills.

California School District Provides Early Support to Preschool Parents.

Biden’s Plan to Expand Title I Funding Could Dramatically Improve K-12 Education.