Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is Tennessee’s largest school district and the top 23rd largest in the U.S. The district has a commitment to serve students of all backgrounds and ability (57% are economically disadvantaged and 13% are English Learners). For MSCS, “Literacy is Life.” Its strategic plan acknowledges the lifelong impact of inadequate reading skills, which includes (1) struggling 3rd grade readers, (2) high school drop-outs, (3) links to incarceration rates, (4) unemployment, and (5) links to poverty. MSCS’ English as a Second Language Division created an initiative focused on innovation and equity. They provided English Learners districtwide with Footsteps2Brilliance’s (F2B) comprehensive, bilingual apps to prepare their EL students for kindergarten and 3rd grade reading proficiency. The apps were aligned to MSCS’ core curriculum and accessible on any smartphones, tablets, and computers that families already owned. English Learners demonstrated historic gains in just 1 year.

Immediate Results for English Learners

The ESL Division’s systemwide strategy yielded immediate results for English Learners. In a 2023 study (n=2,089 ESL students / K-3rd grade), students with F2B app usage (n=1,081) outperformed non-F2B users (n=1,008)—with an average 75% increase across all K-3rd grade levels on the Mastery Connect 3rd party assessment from Fall 2022 to Spring 2023.

 

Similar findings demonstrated dramatic reading proficiency increases for students who used Footsteps2Brilliance.  In the beginning of the year, only 38% “Met” or “Exceeded Expectations.” By the end of the year, this increased to 59%*.

 

 

Immediate, Customized, and Scalable District-Wide Implementation

MSCS leveraged technology to help teachers effectively support their core curriculum. The Footsteps2Brilliance Core-Aligned Learning Routine™ saved teachers time by (1) aligning weekly lessons to the district’s Wonders core curriculum and (2) providing targeted Footsteps2Brilliance lessons to remediate student learning gaps. 

 

How It Works

 

Unique Bilingual Supportive Technology

English Learners login to their personalized Footsteps2Brilliance accounts with their curated, core-aligned assignments. Over 90% of MSCS’ English Learners are Spanish speakers; therefore, students were assisted with unique bilingual supportive technology: a page-by-page English/Spanish toggle switch, read-aloud support, and record button to practice fluency.