Wilson Language Training’s comprehensive Structured Literacy programs offer a seamless continuum of support across all grade levels and tiers of instruction, ensuring that students receive targeted intervention tailored to their needs. Reading Specialist Sarah Heinz experienced the impact of this firsthand while working to address gaps in reading proficiency exacerbated by the pandemic.
We had the opportunity to ask Sarah how Wilson® programs have shaped literacy outcomes in her district and influenced her approach to teaching. In particular, we dove into Just Words®, our accelerated word study program for Tier 2 intervention, to explore how it’s helping her struggling students achieve reading success.
My name is Sarah Heinz, and I’m a reading specialist at Solomon Solis-Cohen, a K-5 public school in Philadelphia. My journey with Wilson programs began in 2021, as our school prepared to return to in-person instruction after COVID. Given the growing achievement gaps in reading, I stepped into the newly created role of reading interventionist, supporting teachers with Fundations® in third grade and implementing Just Words for fourth and fifth grade.
After seeing success with these programs and with the strong support from my principal, who allocated funds to purchase the associated materials, we expanded our use of Wilson programs across four grade levels. Fundations is now a Tier 2 intervention for second and third grade, Just Words serves fourth and fifth grade, and the Wilson Reading System® (WRS) supports Tier 3 students in grades two through five. I’m also working toward my Level II Certification as a Wilson Dyslexia Therapist through the WRS Group Mastery Practicum.
The decision to implement Wilson programs marked a turning point in our school’s academic trajectory. Since implementation, I’ve seen significant improvements in my students’ reading skills. They are more confident, engaged, and willing to tackle challenging texts. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their progress and enthusiasm for learning. Without a doubt, Wilson’s high-quality, evidence-based programs improve student outcomes!
The knowledge I’ve gained through using Wilson programs has transformed my teaching. Before Wilson, I relied on a balanced literacy approach that didn’t fully support many of my students. Wilson provides a comprehensive framework for teaching reading, including systematic, explicit instruction across all aspects of literacy. This structure allows me to build on each student’s knowledge incrementally, making previously difficult concepts more accessible. The evidence-based strategies have greatly enhanced my teaching and given me confidence in my instruction.
After training in Fundations, Just Words, and the Wilson Reading System, I’ve deepened my understanding of the science of reading. Implementing Wilson programs has improved both my teaching and student outcomes. In particular, understanding the “why” behind the approach has helped me with Tier 2 instruction.
As a reading interventionist, I have seen firsthand the transformative effects of Just Words. Its structured, systematic approach provides a lifeline for struggling readers, showing them that the English language has a structure and logic they can learn and master. Just Words directly addresses the needs of students lacking the foundational skills needed to access grade-level texts.
Just Words has been a vital solution for many fourth- and fifth-grade students with word-level deficits, providing them with strategies to actively participate in class. The program’s highly engaging activities have transformed once hesitant learners into avid participants in their educational journey. Students not only benefit from but also enjoy the multimodal activities, which help them make significant gains in decoding, reading fluency, and reading comprehension.
One of the most notable impacts is the boost in students’ self-confidence. Students who were once embarrassed by their reading skills now read fluidly and enjoy reading with friends. Yarleny, a fourth-grade student, said, “Now I feel more comfortable raising my hand in class. I’m a better reader, and I know what to do if I come across a word I don’t know.” This newfound confidence encourages students to share their thoughts and ideas, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic classroom environment.
Sixty-three percent of our student body is made up of multilingual learners–a significant portion from low-income households–and our challenges are great. Just Words has been especially effective for multilingual learners due to its tailored instructional techniques and quick-paced routines, which include built-in reviews. These routines offer multilingual learners structure and consistency, which are comforting and conducive to learning.
The proof of Just Words’ effectiveness is evident in district-wide benchmark scores. Over the course of the school year, students who started in intensive intervention, reading below or well below grade level, improved their performance and tested out of intensive intervention. This tangible evidence of progress is a testament to the efficacy of the program.
Oftentimes, parents are vulnerable and admit they knew their child was struggling, but didn’t have the tools to help. They are especially worried as their children grow older and face more complex literacy demands. Parents frequently express their heartfelt gratitude for the extra support their children receive with Just Words. Many note remarkable improvements in their children’s reading skills and confidence.
Overall, parents greatly appreciate that their children are getting the Structured Literacy intervention they need. Many feel so lucky that their kids are receiving a program that directly supports their needs, knowing it will benefit them well beyond their school years!
Program workshops and on-site coaching have been key to the successful implementation of Just Words. They’ve also given me the confidence to coordinate school-wide literacy programs, lead professional development, and collaborate with teachers to promote best practices in literacy instruction. Using Just Words has better equipped me with tools to support struggling students and improve instructional decisions.
My number one piece of advice is to enjoy the learning process! Also: