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Implementing Fundations®

Preventing the Need for Intervention Starts with Strong Tier 1 Instruction

Fundations® K–5 is a Tier 1 foundational literacy program that enables schools to deliver consistent, evidence-based Structured Literacy instruction in every classroom.

Built on a rigorous scope and sequence, Fundations integrates built-in scaffolding, a mastery-based approach, and real-time progress monitoring to identify and address learning needs early. As a result, students develop the foundational literacy skills they need for long-term success.

Evidence from efficacy studies indicates that students receiving Fundations instruction are less likely to require strategic or intensive intervention compared to peers in non-Fundations classrooms.

Confident, Consistent Implementation That Drives Results

Fundations is designed to make high-quality literacy instruction accessible to every educator. It provides streamlined planning tools, step-by-step lesson guidance, embedded instructional supports, real time student data, and aligned intervention resources.

Lessons maximize instructional time, fit seamlessly within the ELA block, and complement any core curriculum. A unified The Right Instruction at Every Level

Fundations supports a cohesive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), ensuring students receive the right level of instruction at the right time.

Tier 1 Instruction for All K-5 Students

Make Every Minute Count with Fundations K–3

Fundations K–3 delivers explicit, direct instruction that maximizes every instructional minute and reduces the need for supplemental programs.

  • 30-minute daily lesson delivered in the general education classroom
  • Rotating activities target critical foundational skills
  • Integrated instruction reinforces learning through repeated, varied practice

Students develop deep understanding through an integrated approach that connects decoding, encoding, and handwriting helping them apply skills across contexts. Multimodal activities build transferable skills and differentiate tips engage every student.

20 Minutes to Drive Lasting Success with Fundations Levels 4–5

In Levels 4–5, students continue to strengthen foundational literacy skills through a streamlined, explicit instructional model grounded in the same evidence-based approach.

Instruction builds on prior learning while introducing advanced concepts in morphology, vocabulary, spelling, and sentence structure. This continued focus prevents skill gaps and strengthens comprehension across content areas.

  • 20-minute daily lesson in the general education classroom
  • Rotating activities target essential skills
  • Integrated instruction reinforces learning through structured repetition

Tier 2 Support Within Tier 1 Implementation

When schools implement Fundations as a Tier 1 program, students who need additional support remain connected to core instruction while receiving targeted intervention. Students who require intervention support:

  • Participate in the general classroom Fundations lesson
  • Receive targeted Fundations intervention in small groups (up to 5 students) for 30 minutes, 3–5 times per week

This approach increases instructional time, targets specific skill gaps, and provides focused small-group support. Students close gaps sooner and rejoin core instruction with confidence.

Tier 2 Implementation When Fundations Is Used Independently

When Fundations is used as an intervention program, instruction is explicitly targeted to meet individual student needs. Students receiving intervention:

  • Complete the Intervention Placement Inventory to determine the appropriate Fundations level
  • Receive daily 30-minute small-group instruction using the standard Fundations lesson
  • Participate in an additional 30-minute targeted intervention session, 3–5 times per week

This approach increases instructional intensity, targets specific skill gaps, and ensures students receive focused support to make measurable gains.

Extend Learning with Aligned Resources

Fundations implementation is strengthened through supplemental resources that align directly to the scope and sequence. These resources provide additional practice opportunities to build accuracy, fluency, and confidence.

  • FUN HUB Practice provides weekly online activities that reinforce foundational literacy skills
  • Fundations Readers build decoding skills with engaging texts that are 95% or more decodable and align to the Scope and Sequence (Levels K–2)
  • Fun in Focus Intervention Kits strengthen Tier 2 instruction with Fundations-based materials, lesson plans, and student resources (Levels 1–2)tor, may be more appropriate for students in grades 2 and 3 who require more intensive instruction.

The Right Insight for Every Student

Fundations equips teachers with embedded assessment tools that provide clear, actionable insight into student response to instruction. These tools help educators identify strengths, diagnose skill gaps, and adjust instruction in real time.

Teachers use assessment data to refine instruction and deliver timely support, ensuring students remain on track for grade-level success.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring that Drives Instruction

Fundations uses a mastery-based instructional model that supports deep learning and fluent reading development across contexts.

Embedded assessments provide ongoing insight into student progress and guide instructional decisions:

  • Embedded checks determine when to reteach or provide additional practice
  • In Levels K–3, instruction advances when most students demonstrate mastery (80% of students score 80% or higher)
  • In Levels 4–5, instruction continues while targeted small-group or individualized support addresses specific needs

This approach ensures instruction remains responsive while maintaining forward momentum in learning.

Instruction that Responds to Students Needs

Fundations empowers teachers to adjust instruction in real time based on student performance.

Teachers can:

  • Monitor student responses throughout each lesson
  • Select targeted sounds, words, phrases, and sentences to address specific skill needs
  • Provide explicit decoding and encoding practice aligned to student performance

This responsive instructional model ensures students receive precisely what they need to continue progressing.

Measurement Tools that Support Mastery

Fundations includes structured tools that measure student progress and guide instructional decision-making:

  • Unit Tests assess mastery of taught skills and inform decisions to advance, reteach, or provide additional practice
  • Progress Monitoring Tools (K–2) track skill development and fluency growth for students receiving Tier 2 support
  • Intervention Placement Inventory identifies appropriate entry levels (K–2) based on foundational skills including letter knowledge, sound–symbol correspondence, and single-word reading and spelling

Together, these tools provide clear, actionable data that supports informed instructional planning and sustained student growth.

For more information on Fundations resources, visit the below:

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