Read Live by State

Esser funding must be allocated by September 30, 2024. Investing in Read Naturally programs is an ideal way to spend this use-it-or-lose-it funding to improve reading outcomes and overall academic success. Many districts have not yet allocated all of their funding. Act now before it's too late! After allocating the funds, you have a couple of months to spend the money. 

Read Naturally's research-based reading programs are an ideal choice for maximizing ESSER funds to significantly improve reading outcomes for students in grades 1-12. Read Naturally programs are specifically developed to help students of all ages accelerate reading proficiency and confidence as quickly as possible. Many teachers have used their ESSER funding to improve student outcomes with Read Naturally.

Ways to Use ESSER Funds for Read Naturally Programs

Here are the ways you can maximize your ESSER funds with Read Naturally programs:

  • Reading Intervention: Use the evidence-based Read Live or Read Naturally Encore program as an intervention for students who are reading below grade level. These programs prevent students from falling further behind and allow them to catch up quickly.  

  • Direct Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Instruction: Use GATE+ for effective, Science-of-Reading-aligned phonemic awareness and phonics instruction for whole classrooms or small groups. Because teachers do not need to be phonics experts in order to teach GATE+, which is fully scripted, all students will receive effective phonics instruction and develop a solid foundation from which to build their reading skills. 

  • Summer Learning or Tutoring Programs: Implement Read Live in summer school settings or tutoring programs to accelerate reading progress. One Minute Reader Live, a component of the Read Live suite, is a guided, independent reading program that can also be used at home without teacher or parent support. 

  • Phonics Assessment and Intervention: Use Quick Phonics Screener to quickly identify which students need phonics support and which skills to target in a phonics intervention. Then use Read Live, Encore phonics levels, or GATE+ to deliver high-quality phonics instruction to the students who need it. 

  • Research-Based Spelling Instruction: Improve the spelling instruction in your school or district with Signs for Sounds. Many schools are using outdated spelling curriculum, and Signs for Sounds offers a research-based upgrade that also reinforces phonics skills. 

  • Professional Development: Use ESSER funds to receive high-quality training in reading instruction.

Why Read Naturally Programs Are the Ideal Choice for ESSER Funds

Advantages of Read Naturally programs include: 

  1. Evidence-Based: Read Naturally programs are grounded in research, backed by science, and use an evidence-based strategy to optimize student success. Aligned with the Science of Reading, these programs have greatly improved reading outcomes for over 30 years. 

  1. Comprehensive: Read Naturally programs address all five essential components of reading development, and materials are available for grades 1 through adult. Programs are also offered in Spanish. 

  1. Flexible Implementation: Read Naturally programs are easy to adapt to allow for differentiation and to meet each student's individual needs. They are also customizable for various instructional settings and group sizes. 

  1. Measurable Impact: Built-in progress monitoring tools report on student growth in a way that's highly motivating for students and crucial for teachers as they adjust instruction to maximize effectiveness. 

  1. Engaging and Interactive: Read Naturally programs include high-interest materials and engaging activities that ensure students of all ages remain motivated, build confidence, progress quickly, and develop a love for reading. 

  1. Robust Teacher Training: Read Naturally offers comprehensive support and professional development for educators, ensuring effective implementation and optimal student outcomes. Many of these training opportunities are free.

  1. Affordable: Read Naturally programs are intentionally more affordable than other reading tools, so that all students—not just those in well-funded schools—can reach their potential. 

Ready to Make a Difference?

Learn more about ESSER funds and why Read Naturally programs are the ideal solution here on our website. If you have questions about using your remaining ESSER funds on our programs, our customer service team is here to support you. Please get in touch--we're always happy to help!