Reading Horizons Helps Highland East 8th Graders Gain On Average 2.5 Years of Reading Growth in Just One School Year
Breakthrough Literacy Gains Achieved with Reading Horizons® Elevate
KAYSVILLE, Utah, May 28, 2025--(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.
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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250528344484/en/
Contacts
Media Inquiries:Kelley K. Johnsonkelley.johnson@readinghorizons.com (801) 368.1183
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
PURE Bioscience Unveils Revolutionary Membrane Treatment Solution for the Dairy and Beverage Industry
EL CAJON, Calif., June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PURE Bioscience, Inc. (OTCQB: PURE) ("PURE," the "Company" or "we"), creator of the patented non-toxic silver dihydrogen citrate (SDC) antimicrobial, is proud to announce an innovative application method for membrane treatment in the dairy and beverage industry using our flagship product, PURE® Hard Surface. This groundbreaking solution addresses common membrane fouling and sanitization challenges, delivering outstanding results that enable operators to restore throughput and sanitize the membrane without damage or oxidation. Tom Myers, EVP of Technology & Development at PURE Bioscience, stated, "The introduction of PURE Hard Surface to the Dairy and Beverage industry represents a significant advancement in membrane treatment technology. This product delivers unmatched efficiency and enhances filtration operation and longevity." Key Attributes of PURE Hard Surface for Membrane Treatment: One Treatment—Zero Compromises: Achieve superior results with just one treatment. PURE Hard Surface effectively removes fouling, restores flow, and delays the need for membrane replacement without compromising membrane integrity. Proven Performance: Our solution boasts results with successful treatments demonstrating an impressive 4+ log reduction in 120 seconds. Additionally, it is NSF-listed, making it ideal for eliminating harmful bacteria in the dairy industry without causing membrane oxidation. Complete Penetration in Minutes: In practical applications, our treatment has shown complete membrane penetration within 5 minutes for reverse osmosis (RO) systems, effectively scrubbing away fouling and restoring throughput. Similarly, our ultrafiltration treatment (UF) systems resulted in immediate penetration and unmatched restoration of throughput while sanitizing to meet stringent quality specifications. Simplicity and Effectiveness: Membrane operators prefer PURE Hard Surface for its no-hassle approach. The ready-to-use formula requires no mixing—fill and go. Plus, with the lowest EPA toxicity rating, there is no need for personal protective equipment, making it highly safe for staff. Environmentally Safe: Our treatment poses no risks to wastewater systems, ensuring no impact on digesters or discharge permit compliance. Cost-Effective Solution: With just one treatment, manufacturers can sell full-priced finished goods, reduce operational costs, and significantly prolong the lifespan of their membranes, contributing to overall operational efficiency. "Our SDC technology is redefining what's possible in the food industry – and PURE Hard Surface is at the forefront," said Tim Steffensmeier, Vice President of Sales. "This modern membrane application brings a smarter, more efficient approach to streamlining operation, delivering a measurable cost savings, and empowers manufacturers to uphold the highest quality standards in the industry, without the negative trade-offs of traditional chemistry." Discover the transformative benefits of PURE Hard Surface for membrane treatment. For more information, visit contact one of our key distributors, or come to our booth at the Dairy Foods Membrane Technology Forum, June 2-4, 20025 in Bloomington, MN. How SDC Works SDC kills microorganisms by two modes of action: 1) the silver ion deactivates structural and metabolic membrane proteins, leading to microbial death; 2) the microbes view SDC as a food source, allowing the silver ion to enter the microbe. Once inside the organism, the silver ion denatures the DNA, which halts the microbe's ability to replicate and leads to its death. This dual action makes SDC highly and quickly effective against a broad spectrum of microbes. Traditional silver-based disinfectants have short shelf lives – from hours to days. SDC is a stabilized silver ion complex with a shelf life of several years. The unique bond between the silver ions in SDC allows them to remain in solution while making them more bioavailable for antimicrobial action. About PURE Bioscience, Inc. PURE focuses on developing and commercializing our proprietary antimicrobial products, primarily in food safety. We provide best-in-class solutions to combat the health and environmental challenges of pathogens and hygienic control. Our technology platform is based on patented, stabilized ionic silver, and our initial products contain silver dihydrogen citrate, better known as SDC. This broad-spectrum, non-toxic antimicrobial agent formulates well with other compounds. As a platform technology, SDC is distinguished from existing products in the marketplace because of its superior efficacy, reduced toxicity, and mitigation of bacterial resistance. PURE's mailing address is 771 Jamacha Rd. #512, El Cajon, California 92019 (San Diego County area), which serves as its official address for all business requirements. View source version on Contacts Tim Steffensmeier, Vice President of SalesEmail: tsteffensmeier@
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Donaldson Appoints Richard Lewis Chief Operating Officer
MINNEAPOLIS, June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, today announced the appointment of Richard Lewis as chief operating officer, effective August 1, 2025. In his new role, Lewis will oversee the company's three segments as well as its enterprise operations and supply chain, and corporate technology functions. He will continue to report to Tod Carpenter, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Rich is an experienced leader with a track record of consistent operational success through a broad range of dynamic and challenging market conditions," said Carpenter. "During his 23 years with Donaldson, he has achieved a deep understanding of our global portfolio of businesses, end markets, and customers' needs. I look forward to partnering with Rich to further strengthen execution of our strategy and drive value creation for all of our stakeholders." Lewis is currently president of the company's Life Sciences segment and will continue to perform that role until a successor is named. During his tenure within Donaldson, Lewis has held several key leadership positions including President, Mobile Solutions and Senior Vice President, Global Operations. He holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Louisville and an MBA from Indiana University. "I am honored to step into the COO role and lead operations for the company's diversified portfolio of businesses," said Lewis. "I am eager to continue working with our strong leadership team to deliver our innovative solutions for customers around the globe and further our collective success." About Donaldson Company Founded in 1915, Donaldson (NYSE: DCI) is a global leader in technology-led filtration products and solutions, serving a broad range of industries and advanced markets. Diverse, skilled employees at over 140 locations on six continents partner with customers - from small business owners to R&D organizations and the world's biggest OEM brands. Donaldson solves complex filtration challenges through three primary segments: Mobile Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Life Sciences. Additional information is available at View source version on Contacts For more information, contact: Sarika Dhadwal (952)
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
Diversified Healthcare Trust Closes $94 Million of Mortgage Financings Secured by Six SHOP Communities
NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Diversified Healthcare Trust (Nasdaq: DHC) today announced that it has closed two fixed rate mortgage financings totaling $94.3 million, secured by six senior housing communities managed by Five Star Senior Living, the operating division of AlerisLife Inc. The financings consist of a $64.0 million five-year mortgage loan and a $30.3 million ten-year Fannie Mae mortgage loan. Proceeds from these loans, together with cash on hand, will be used to repay the remaining $100.0 million of DHC's 9.75% senior notes due June 2025. The $64.0 million loan bears a fixed interest rate of 6.57% and is secured by four communities consisting of 1,079 units with an appraised value per unit of approximately $171,000. The Fannie Mae loan bears a fixed interest rate of 6.36%, is interest only for the first three years, and is secured by two communities consisting of 465 units with an appraised value of approximately $142,000 per unit. Based on the 2024 NOI of the six collateral communities, the appraised value reflects an implied cap rate of 5.8%, or approximately $162,000 per unit. Since March 2025, DHC has closed on an aggregate of $343.0 million of mortgage financings secured by 27 SHOP communities. On a combined basis, these financings reflect an average per unit valuation of approximately $174,000 and a weighted average interest rate of 6.55%. Matt Brown, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of DHC, made the following statement: 'Now that we have completed the financings to repay our 2025 notes with attractive valuations for the collateral assets, we are turning our attention to paying off the balance of our 2026 note. We plan to address this maturity with proceeds from a combination of $330.0 million to $380.0 million of asset sales, and new financings.' About Diversified Healthcare Trust DHC is a real estate investment trust focused on owning high-quality healthcare properties located throughout the United States. DHC seeks diversification across the health services spectrum by care delivery and practice type, by scientific research disciplines and by property type and location. As of March 31, 2025, DHC's approximately $6.8 billion portfolio included 343 properties in 34 states and Washington, D.C., with more than 26,000 senior living units, approximately 7.6 million square feet of medical office and life science properties and occupied by approximately 450 tenants. DHC is managed by The RMR Group (Nasdaq: RMR), a leading U.S. alternative asset management company with approximately $40 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025 and more than 35 years of institutional experience in buying, selling, financing and operating commercial real estate. DHC is headquartered in Newton, MA. For more information, visit This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other securities laws. Also, whenever DHC uses words such as 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'plan', 'estimate', 'will', 'may' and negatives or derivatives of these or similar expressions, DHC is making forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon DHC's present intent, beliefs or expectations, but forward-looking statements are not guaranteed to occur and may not occur. For example, DHC believes it should be able to pay off the balance of its senior secured notes due 2026 by the end of 2025 through additional asset sales and new financings. However, DHC may not be able to sell additional assets or execute on new financings on the timelines or terms it expects or at all. As a result, DHC may not be able to pay off the balance of its senior secured notes due 2026 by the end of 2025. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by DHC's forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond DHC's control. The information contained in DHC's filings with the SEC, including under the caption 'Risk Factors' in DHC's periodic reports, or incorporated therein, identifies other important factors that could cause differences from DHC's forward-looking statements. DHC's filings with the SEC are available on the SEC's website at You should not place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, DHC does not intend to update or change any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
