Case Study: Southside Independent School District boosts literacy outcomes with 95 Percent Group’s 95 Phonics Core Program

Southside Independent School District raises overall rating to B with 95 Percent Group Inc.

Southside Independent School District, a Title 1 district in San Antonio, Texas, was focused on school improvement after receiving state ratings ranging from C to F. A key challenge was that its existing K-3 reading program was not explicit or systematic and was failing to meet students' needs. The district sought a new approach to reading instruction to help achieve its goal of earning an A rating.

The district implemented 95 Percent Group's professional learning course on the science of reading and began using the 95 Phonics Core Program for whole-class instruction. As a result, the district's overall state rating improved to a B, and it was named among the region’s best-performing districts. Teachers reported significant student progress, with one first-grade teacher noting a dramatic improvement in a student who began the year not knowing any letters or sounds. The resources from 95 Percent Group were praised for being effective, easy to implement, and for helping students enjoy reading.

Southside Independent School District