Enhancing Literacy: the Introduction of Lexia
By Mark Cullen
Updated: 30th October 2024
In our ongoing commitment to improving literacy within our school, we are delighted to announce the introduction of a new literacy strategy called Lexia. This initiative is designed to make literacy accessible to the vast majority of learners—both students and teachers. Lexia’s approach encompasses proven methodologies, engaging experiences, and continuous recognition of the individual value of each learner. By adopting this strategy, we aim to ensure that literacy is truly within reach for every member of our educational community.
Lexia’s foundation is steeped in rigorous research. Originally established through a research grant, Lexia has maintained an unwavering commitment to peer-reviewed efficacy research and gold-standard outcome studies. This dedication positions Lexia at the forefront of the literacy education sector and affirms its pivotal role within our pedagogical framework. With extensive independent evaluations, Lexia stands out as one of the most rigorously researched reading programmes globally. Its emphasis on evidence-based, scientific research not only highlights the effectiveness of its programmes but also guides the ongoing development of its educational products.
One of the key strengths of Lexia lies in its adherence to the latest scientific findings in education, taking into account the recommendations set forth by the National Reading Panel (NRP) in the United States. Established in 1997 at the behest of Congress, the NRP’s mission was to evaluate the effectiveness of various approaches to literacy instruction. Lexia’s solutions are intricately designed to align with these findings, ensuring that teachers and students alike benefit from research-informed practices.
A central tenet of Lexia’s approach is the emphasis on personalised learning. Their solutions are crafted to cater to the individual needs of students, giving them greater control over their learning journey regarding time, place, path, and pace. This flexibility fosters a more engaging learning experience, empowering students to take ownership of their educational progress.
While some may equate personalised learning merely with the use of technology, Lexia understands that technology is merely a component of this multifaceted approach. Their methodology effectively combines teacher-led instruction with interactive, user-centric experiences. This dual emphasis allows us to support the diverse cognitive abilities of our student body. For educators, Lexia enables prioritisation and differentiation of instruction, equipping them to teach critical reading skills at a pace suitable for each individual learner.
Lexia’s digital curriculum solutions draw heavily upon Structured Literacy, which integrates the science of reading into practical classroom instruction. This is a structured, explicit, and systematic method for teaching literacy and language builds upon prior learning in a coherent sequence, progressing from simple concepts to more complex ones. This structured approach ultimately enhances teachers’ effectiveness in delivering essential literacy concepts, strengthens students’ relationships with learning, and shifts the responsibility for learning directly onto the students themselves.
Since the introduction of Lexia in October 2024, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, teaching assistants, and teachers. The enthusiasm surrounding this initiative is palpable, with many highlighting the increased engagement in reading activities and a noticeable boost in confidence among students. The structured nature of Lexia’s curriculum has proven to be instrumental in consolidating foundational literacy skills while encouraging a love of reading.
'I am working one-to-one with a student on this strategy. He has really embraced this and his reading is improving'
Claire Lawless, Teaching Assistant
We are particularly excited to welcome a new member of staff, Stefanie Allen, who is leading the literacy initiative across the entire school. Stefanie's wealth of experience and passion for literacy education will further bolster our commitment to ensuring that every student achieves their fullest potential. Under her leadership, we anticipate that Lexia will catalyse a culture of literacy that permeates every classroom, paving the way for students to thrive academically and personally.
The introduction of Lexia represents a significant step forward in our school’s literacy strategy. By leveraging the power of research-backed, structured, personalised, and systematic approaches to reading instruction, we aim to create an inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed. We look forward to witnessing the positive transformation in literacy outcomes that Lexia promises, and we are excited to embark on this journey together with our students, staff, and the wider school community.