A transformative educational initiative has been making waves in Boca Raton. The Educate, Affirm, Inspire with S.P.I.R.E. program has provided invaluable support to approximately 250 under-performing students and 59 teachers across 13 elementary schools thanks to funding provided in partnership with the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce‘s Golden Bell Education Foundation and the State of Florida’s Education Foundation Matching Grant Program through the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. This program focuses on delivering targeted, research-based instructional support and supplemental computerized remediation to enhance students’ reading skills in the five key areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence (S.P.I.R.E.), an Orton-Gillingham-based, multisensory, explicit, systematic reading intervention program, is at the heart of this initiative. Designed for students requiring intensive phonics and phonological awareness instruction, this spiraling phonics program has a proven track record of closing the achievement gap for struggling readers.
The Structure of Success
Students participating in the S.P.I.R.E. reading intervention program engage in daily sessions of 30 to 60 minutes, five times a week. Instruction is delivered in small groups with a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. This focused approach ensures each student receives the attention and support they need to thrive. To maintain the integrity of the program, teachers undergo comprehensive professional development, training, and coaching. This continuous support ensures that educators are well-equipped to deliver the program effectively and adhere to its model.
Impressive Results
The impact of the S.P.I.R.E. program has been nothing short of remarkable. All 214 students who completed a post-level assessment demonstrated growth in their reading skills in the 2023-2024 school year. This 100% success rate underscores the efficacy of the S.P.I.R.E. program and highlights its potential to transform the educational landscape for struggling readers.
Empowering Educators and Students
The Educate, Affirm, Inspire with S.P.I.R.E. program is more than just a reading intervention initiative; it is a beacon of hope for students and teachers alike. This program empowers educators to make a tangible difference in their students’ lives by providing the necessary tools, training, and support. In turn, students gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed academically and beyond.
A Bright Future
As the program continues to support more students and teachers, its success serves as a testament to the power of dedicated, research-based educational interventions. The Educate, Affirm, Inspire with S.P.I.R.E. program is paving the way for a brighter future, one where every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. By focusing on the individual needs of each student and providing robust support for educators, this initiative is transforming the reading skills of under-performing students. The ripple effects of this program are sure to be felt for years to come, as empowered students carry their newfound skills and confidence into all areas of their lives.