The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is turning to a private sector partner, Curriculum Associates, to roll out a digital supplement for Texas Core High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) elementary literacy program.
The partnership is part of TEA’s Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) consolidated grant program. With this approval, local education agencies (LEAs) throughout Texas can implement Curriculum Associates’ i-Ready using LASO funding to support reading instruction as part of a blended learning approach.
“This grant provides a great opportunity for Texas educators to drive student outcomes through the implementation of a high-quality blended learning model for reading,” said Rob Waldron, CEO of Curriculum Associates. “Now, with the approval from the TEA, even more educators across the state will be able to use our proven online technology as they work to close learning gaps and support grade-level reading success for every student.”
According to a press release, i-Ready Diagnostic for Reading combines assessments and analytical insights with instruction materials for reading to address students’ individual needs. TEA noted that the i-Ready Diagnostic for Reading is correlated to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading.
When using the new supplement, teachers will administer the diagnostic at the beginning of the school year to chart a course for their instruction and to personalize i-Ready instructional paths. Following the initial diagnostic, students will also be evaluated mid-year and at the end of the school year to measure growth.
Prior to receiving approval, i-Ready underwent a “rigorous, multipart review” by the TEA. According to a press release, the program was ultimately selected based on its alignment with research-based instructional strategies, alignment to the implementation of Texas’ Core HQIM, Spanish-language availability, and evidence to support student personalization and learning acceleration outcomes.
