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

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.

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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.