SERP News

Mixing & Matching Curricula, Cognitive Science in UK Education, Right to Read

New Middle School WordGen Weekly Unit!

We’re thrilled to announce that STARI Unit 4.3: Truth, Lies, and Memory, is now available!

Deaths of Decision-making, AI Ethics Tool, Risks of Universal Private School Choice

We were honored to join the first LEARN to Scale Workshop , a powerful convening of researchers, educators, and developers committed to expanding the reach of evidence-based educational innovations.

Are you looking for a proven way to accelerate reading growth for students in grades 6 and up who are reading below grade level?

State Role in PD, Four Day School Week, GenAI in Early Math

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 to! 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.