Reading Plus 2024–25 Outcomes: Real work, real growth

Aug 18

We love sharing stories of students who find their confidence and momentum in Reading Plus. Those stories matter, and we will keep telling them. We are also intentional about measuring what is happening. Behind every smile is a data point, and this year the numbers back up the progress we are seeing.

Reading is a foundational skill and a precondition for academic success. It unlocks every other subject and sets students up for the long game. When we help a student read at grade level, we increase the odds of high school graduation and open doors to postsecondary education. That is why we focus so much of our energy here.

What we measured

We looked at two things. First, reading level growth using the Slosson Oral Reading Test for students who were ready for grade-level measurement. Second, phonics mastery for students still building the core sounds that make fluent reading possible. We also asked parents and teachers how Reading Plus affected confidence and reading ability.

Highlights at a glance

100% of parents and teachers said Reading Plus had a significant impact on their student’s reading and confidence.
On average, each month in Reading Plus equaled 1.7 months of reading progress.
55% of students made faster-than-expected gains toward grade-level reading.
24% were reading within grade level by the end of the year.

Reading growth on the Slosson

Thirty-seven students had at least two Slosson assessments this year. Expected progress would be one month of growth for one month in the program. More than half of our students beat that pace. One student gained 3.3 years in a single program year, which is 2.3 years more than expected for that timeframe. That kind of growth comes from consistent effort, patient tutoring, and families who cheer them on.

Building the foundation with phonics

Many Reading Plus students begin with phonics. It is the foundation that makes everything else possible.

Twenty-seven students were assessed at least twice on phonics sounds. Over five months, they nearly doubled (91% increase) the number of sounds they knew.
The phonics assessment includes 82 distinct sounds. Knowing 75 to 80 percent of them gives students the foundation they need for fluent reading, ideally by the end of third grade.
Among third through fifth graders working on phonics, students finished the year knowing an average of 68% of the sounds, and 38% hit or exceeded that foundation target.

What families and schools are saying
“Students LOVE their tutoring sessions, and we have information that we have used as MTSS data to make crucial decisions about students’ future. We really appreciate everything!”
“Reading Plus is a tremendous and critical support for our students’ reading skills. They are able to make connections with students who are struggling academically, so that the students feel more confident and enjoy the tutoring. All of the students they work with make significant progress and our school is grateful for the partnership with Reading Plus.”
“My son loves Reading Plus. It has helped him so so much. Thank you.”

What it means

The headline is simple. Students are building confidence and skills. Some are racing ahead. Others are laying the groundwork they need to catch up and then keep going. Both stories matter. Our tutors show up with care and consistency, and our families and school partners make this possible.

Thank you to every reader who put in the effort this year, to tutors who kept sessions welcoming and focused, and to the parents and teachers who walk alongside them.

Progress like this is possible because people like you step in. One on one support is often out of reach for families in our neighborhood, but your gift helps us bring it to more students. Give to our Back to School campaign and your donation will be matched.