We’ve had the privilege to partner with thousands of dedicated ELA teachers and Fundations® enthusiasts across the country over the years, but perhaps no evangelist more exuberant than Jake Daggett. Jake’s passion for literacy education, coupled with his creativity and commitment to his students, exemplifies how Structured Literacy can unlock a love of reading in every child. We sat down with Jake to discuss how Fundations has been a transformational part of his teaching journey.
My name is Jake Daggett and this is my 10th year in education. Over the years, I’ve taught pre-K all the way through third grade. Now, I am directing foundational literacy for pre-K to third grade at a choice school in Milwaukee.
I was first introduced to Fundations in 2016. From the start, I was impressed by how it aligned with the science of reading long before the research was widely discussed and incorporated into curricula My teacher preparation program emphasized phonological awareness, phonics, encoding, and decoding, which made me appreciate Fundations even more. Early on, I saw its profound impact–particularly with our English Language Learners–and I’ve used it in every class I’ve taught since then.
Absolutely. One student who truly impacted me came to us below the fifth percentile in reading. He was captivated by our Fundations Sound Cards and couldn’t wait to discover the new “sound of the week.” Each morning, he would rush to see if the new Sound Card was up, announcing it to his peers with excitement. Through systematic instruction and consistent engagement, he grew 64 percentile points in one year—equivalent to about three grade levels of progress. It was a tears-of-joy moment for his mom. Success stories like his remind me why I love teaching, even on challenging days.
One thing that sets Fundations apart is its usability. The curriculum is designed to be teacher friendly. You don’t have to drown in the manual. The routines are clear, and they build confidence in both the teacher and the students. The curriculum follows the Orton-Gillingham approach, which aligns with how the brain processes information. It’s systematic, cumulative, and repetitive, which is crucial for students to truly internalize the code.
One of my favorite aspects is the accuracy of the materials. The images and sounds are aligned with the science of reading, ensuring students build correct associations. They bridge spoken language to print, making it easier for students–even those who speak a different language at home–to connect and learn.
The Fundations Readers decodable books are another highlight. They are thoughtfully designed to reinforce specific skills while remaining engaging and age appropriate. The diversity represented in them is also invaluable. Students need to see themselves reflected in what they read to feel a sense of belonging. The variations in family types, mobility, and cultures depicted in the books make all students feel seen and included.
FUN HUB Practice is a fantastic supplement (not a replacement) for teacher-led instruction. It allows teachers to reinforce taught skills in a way that’s consistent with the lesson. The platform is intuitive, with clear visuals that align with what students see in class, which is especially valuable in a one-to-one device environment where students rotate through centers.
The joy of reading comes from being able to do it. One of my favorite quotes is from Anita Archer: “Predictability predicts ability.” Programs like Fundations may not look flashy, but their predictability leads to ability and ability brings joy.
Students thrive when they know what to expect and can build on their skills systematically. Fundations offers a consistent and effective approach that builds confidence and fosters a love of reading. We often underestimate what truly excites children—they’re eager to succeed and find joy in the ability to read, decode, and comprehend. With Fundations, even the small victories like mastering a new sound bring genuine excitement and pride.