SERP News
What's in this issue:
STARI Spotlight: In Prophetstown, Illinois—population 2,000—something remarkable is happening. At Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico 6-12 Campus (PLT) , students who once struggled with reading are experiencing breakthrough growth, thanks to STARI and the dedication of Principal Mrs. Janet Barnhart.
In this episode, host Dr. Kala Jones asks a question that cuts right to the heart of adolescent literacy: What happens when we stop asking "Can they read?" and start asking "Do they see themselves as readers?"
Education Statistics, Phone Bans and Burnout, Building Critical Literacy
At SERP, philanthropy is more than generosity, it’s partnership. It’s the belief that transformative change in education happens when researchers, educators, communities, and funders work side-by-side to solve real problems together.
Exploring the Heart of Middle School through Belonging and Community from Hudson Middle School in Ohio
After reading "Why one reading expert says ‘just-right’ books are all wrong" , I suspect that Shanahan and I agree more than we disagree. However, I worry that - especially because many people don’t read beyond headlines - an important point may be obscured.
Students’ Thoughts on Literacy, Do School Closures Still Matter?, Reality Under Universal School Vouchers
The session titled The Power of Collaboration: Root Cause Analysis provided valuable insights into how collaborative inquiry and structured reflection can drive school improvement and student success. This presentation centered on Parker Junior High School’s ongoing partnership with the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) and its work toward implementing a true middle school framework.
How did you learn to read? At this year’s AMLE Conference, we asked attendees to share a simple but powerful story: How did you learn to read? Their reflections, captured in photos and video, remind us why literacy matters, and why programs like STARI are so important for students who need extra support.
At SERP, we believe middle school students deserve opportunities to engage with the most pressing and relevant issues of their time. That’s why we are so grateful to the Brinson Family Foundation for their generous support for revisions and updates to the WordGen Weekly program.
Making Research Relevant, Girls & STEM: Lost Progress, 3 Waves of School Vouchers
Talk As a Bridge to Understanding
Teacher Evaluations, Shutdown Tracker, Latest Industrial Revolution
Fluency practice doesn't have to be boring!
Education & Supreme Court, Elevating the Turn & Talk, Lack of Resources
September’s STARI Highlights showcases new strategies for engaging families, updates to the STARI Series 4 for high-school readers in light of recent NAEP results, and the exciting news that NYC Public Schools has approved STARI as a Tier II literacy intervention.
We’re excited to share that Episode 2 of SERP Stories is now live!
EL Outcomes, Teens and Meaning, Civics Programming
SERP is pleased to announce support from Leonard D. Schaeffer for our Civics Curriculum Project: Preparing High School Students for the Challenges of American Democracy . The proposal was submitted in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), both key partners in the development and implementation of the course.
Whether you’re new to STARI, a seasoned implementer, or just curious, the Community Forums are a chance to learn, connect, and feel part of a national community of practice.
Modern Education Research, Tutoring Post-Pandemic, Thought Experiments
STARI Named a Tier II Literacy Intervention by NYCPS
Back to School's Back, Alright!
Life Skills Class, EL’s Educational Rights, No-Zeroes Policies
We’re excited to announce a brand new addition to the STARI Professional Learning Series, professional learning designed specifically for instructional coaches.
SERP Receives Grant from Capitol Hill Community Foundation to Support K–2 Literacy
States & Federal School Vouchers, Chronic Absenteeism, Grade Retention
Help Shape the Future of Education at SXSW EDU 2025 – Cast Your Vote Today!
We can’t wait to share these stories with you. Subscribe, listen, and help us spread the word!