Reading Horizons Helps Highland East 8th Graders Gain On Average 2.5 Years of Reading Growth in Just One School Year
KAYSVILLE, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Highland East Junior High students, part of Moore Public Schools in Oklahoma, have made significant literacy gains, averaging an average 2.5 years of reading growth in a single academic year. These results come after several years of implementing Reading Horizons® Elevate, a structured literacy program grounded in the science of reading and designed for older students.
100% of the 8th-grade students in Shelly Hankins's reading class improved by at least 1.2 grade levels in reading proficiency, and most averaged 2.5 years of growth.
Veteran educator Shelly Hankins, who has taught reading since 1999, was initially skeptical when first asked to implement the program. Today, after seeing remarkable gains in both student confidence and achievement, she describes the experience as 'one of the most impactful years' of her teaching career.
'Some students didn't even know all their letter sounds at the start of the year,' said Hankins. 'We started from the ground up. I ensured they understood why we were returning to basics—we were building the foundation so they could succeed in high school and beyond. Making it fun—with games and a little competition—gave them a reason to engage. The program provided the structure, and the students brought the energy.'
This year, 100% of the 8th-grade students in Shelly Hankins' reading class improved by at least 1.2 grade levels in reading proficiency, and most averaged 2.5 years of growth. One student, who began the year reading at a 5.6 reading level, progressed to an 11th-grade level—a gain of over five grade levels by year's end.
Hankins' implementation of Reading Horizons Elevate involved:
Daily small-group instruction
Fluency passages and independent reading to build stamina
A structured 'proving' method for decoding multisyllabic words
These practices helped students grow academically and emotionally, boosting their confidence and independence as readers.
Science-Backed Instruction with Real Results
Reading Horizons® Elevate supports students in grades 4–12 who need targeted instruction in foundational reading skills, including decoding, phonics, and fluency. Grounded in the science of reading research, the program offers explicit, systematic instruction in flexible formats, including teacher-led, blended, and intervention settings. Across the country, educators use Reading Horizons Elevate across diverse learning environments from general education to special education, multilingual, and alternative education programs.
'Shelly's success is exactly what we designed Elevate to deliver—real, measurable growth for older learners with skill gaps, and the support educators need to drive that growth,' said Trisha Thomas, President at Reading Horizons.
The growth seen within this class of 8th graders reflects not only the strength of the program but also the dedication of Shelly Hankins and the Highland East administration. Their shared commitment to evidence-based instructional practices continues to strengthen academic outcomes and expand opportunities for all learners. It's a powerful way to close the school year—marking a strong finish —for the school and students.
For more information, explore how this achievement came to life in the classroom by exploring an in-depth Q&A with educator Shelly Hankins: ' How One Junior High Teacher Led Her 8th Grade Students to an Average 2.5-Year Reading Gain This Year.'
About Reading Horizons
For over 40 years, Reading Horizons® has equipped educators to eradicate illiteracy with innovative, tech-enabled foundational reading instruction. By aligning with the latest research in the science of reading, it supports educators, schools, and students with effective literacy solutions. Learn more about K–12 foundational literacy solutions and join the Science of Reading Collective, a collaborative space where educators share best practices and engage in meaningful discussions on literacy instruction.
About Moore Public Schools
Moore Public Schools is the fourth-largest district in Oklahoma, serving 24,500+ students and their families. MPS operates 25 elementary schools, six junior highs, three high schools, and one alternative school site. Learn more about MPS at www.mooreschools.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Minerva Biotechnologies - Overcoming the Solid Tumor Barrier: MUC1*-Targeted CAR T bearing 1XX mutations overcomes exhaustion and enables killing of low antigen expressing cancer cells
WALTHAM, Mass., June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Minerva Biotechnologies published "Effective CAR T cell targeting of a MUC1 cleavage product" in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer Novel target, MUC1*, is a cancer-specific growth factor receptor that is expressed on the surface of 75% of solid tumors. In this study, we compared the efficacy, persistence and antigen sensitivity of three MUC1* CARs, all directed to the tumor by the same antibody fragment, but bearing different co-stimulatory domains and one construct bearing the 1XX mutations in the CD3ζ cytoplasmic domain. We showed that in animal models, the MUC1* CAR-1XX increased CAR T-cell persistence and suppressed tumor recurrence by enabling the killing of low antigen-expressing cancer cells. "These findings in stringent animal models are very encouraging for developing 1XX CAR T cells to treat solid tumors," said Michel Sadelain, inventor of the 1XX technology. "They further underscore the promise of targeting the cleaved form of MUC1 known as MUC1*." The in vivo efficacy of MUC1* targeted CAR-1XX T cells against heterogeneous tumors comprising defined percentages of low vs high antigen expressing cancer cells predicts that a large patient population could be treated with MUC1* targeted CAR T immunotherapy. Although MUC1 has been known for 30 years to be aberrantly expressed in 75% of solid tumors, no therapeutic targeting MUC1 has ever been Food and Drug Administration approved. Part of the problem is that the identification of exactly which form of MUC1 drives tumor growth and metastasis has been controversial. The development of a MUC1* antibody that selectively recognizes the cancer-associated growth factor receptor form, as described here, is an important advance. Minerva has an FDA-approved IND for a MUC1*-CAR22 that persists longer in vivo enabling a more durable response in solid tumor treatment. We thank Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the license to 1XX technology. View source version on Contacts Minerva Biotechnologies Ron Axelrod raxelrod@ 617-785-9491 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business Wire
Minerva Biotechnologies - Overcoming the Solid Tumor Barrier: MUC1*-Targeted CAR T bearing 1XX mutations overcomes exhaustion and enables killing of low antigen expressing cancer cells
WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Minerva Biotechnologies published 'Effective CAR T cell targeting of a MUC1 cleavage product' in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer Novel target, MUC1*, is a cancer-specific growth factor receptor that is expressed on the surface of 75% of solid tumors. In this study, we compared the efficacy, persistence and antigen sensitivity of three MUC1* CARs, all directed to the tumor by the same antibody fragment, but bearing different co-stimulatory domains and one construct bearing the 1XX mutations in the CD3ζ cytoplasmic domain. We showed that in animal models, the MUC1* CAR-1XX increased CAR T-cell persistence and suppressed tumor recurrence by enabling the killing of low antigen-expressing cancer cells. 'These findings in stringent animal models are very encouraging for developing 1XX CAR T cells to treat solid tumors,' said Michel Sadelain, inventor of the 1XX technology. 'They further underscore the promise of targeting the cleaved form of MUC1 known as MUC1*." The in vivo efficacy of MUC1* targeted CAR-1XX T cells against heterogeneous tumors comprising defined percentages of low vs high antigen expressing cancer cells predicts that a large patient population could be treated with MUC1* targeted CAR T immunotherapy. Although MUC1 has been known for 30 years to be aberrantly expressed in 75% of solid tumors, no therapeutic targeting MUC1 has ever been Food and Drug Administration approved. Part of the problem is that the identification of exactly which form of MUC1 drives tumor growth and metastasis has been controversial. The development of a MUC1* antibody that selectively recognizes the cancer-associated growth factor receptor form, as described here, is an important advance. Minerva has an FDA-approved IND for a MUC1*-CAR22 that persists longer in vivo enabling a more durable response in solid tumor treatment. We thank Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the license to 1XX technology.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Zentalis Pharmaceuticals Announces Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
SAN DIEGO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zentalis® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNTL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a potentially first-in-class and best-in-class WEE1 inhibitor for patients with ovarian cancer and other tumor types, today announced that on June 2, 2025, the Compensation Committee of Zentalis' Board of Directors granted non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 137,400 shares of the Company's common stock to four (4) newly hired employees. The stock options were granted under the Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2022 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan (2022 Inducement Plan) as an inducement material to each such individual's entering into employment with Zentalis in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The 2022 Inducement Plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity awards to individuals who were not previously employees of Zentalis, or following a bona fide period of non-employment, as an inducement material to each such individual's entering into employment with Zentalis, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock options have an exercise price of $1.28 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Zentalis' common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market on the date of grant. The stock options have a 10-year term and will vest over four years, with 25% of the options vesting on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date and the remaining 75% of the options vesting in equal monthly installments over the three years thereafter. Vesting of the stock options is subject to the employees' continued service to Zentalis on each vesting date. About Zentalis PharmaceuticalsZentalis® Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing azenosertib (ZN-c3), a potentially first-in-class and best-in-class WEE1 inhibitor for patients with Cyclin E1+ platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). Azenosertib is being evaluated as a monotherapy and in combination across multiple tumor types in clinical trials and has broad franchise potential. In clinical trials, azenosertib has been well tolerated and has demonstrated anti-tumor activity as a single agent across multiple tumor types. The Company is also leveraging its extensive experience and capabilities to translate its science to advance research on additional areas of opportunity for azenosertib outside PROC. Zentalis has operations in San Diego. For more information, please visit Follow Zentalis on X/Twitter at @ZentalisP and on LinkedIn at Contact:Aron Feingold, VP, IR & Corp Commsir@
