Experts Corner: Q&A on the latest in science of reading professional learning

Recently we had a conversation with Tressa Wright, M.Ed., product manager of professional learning at 95 Percent Group. Tressa is a versatile professional with nearly two decades of experience in the educational products and services industry. As a former high school teacher, department chair, and senior implementation specialist, Tressa understands the critical importance of innovative, effective educational solutions that serve both educators and students. Her diverse background influences her approach to educational innovation.

Tressa shared her insights on the “reboot” of Top 10 Tools™ by 95 Percent Group and the exciting new addition to this suite of professional learning offerings: 95 Foundational Tools™ for Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Tutors, and Volunteers.

95 Percent Group is bringing an “all hands on deck” mentality for literacy change with the launch of 95 Foundational Tools. This course, built specifically for those supporting children during literacy instruction, is a new component of Top 10 Tools™—and an addition to the continuum of the science of reading professional learning courses offered.

Q: Who is Top 10 Tools by 95 Percent Group for?

A: Top 10 Tools is for any classroom educator who hasn’t done science of reading training or who needs a bridge from theory to practical application. This is a resource for those who want to immerse themselves in the science of reading efficiently, effectively, and on their own time.

Q: What was the motivation to provide updates to Top 10 Tools?

A: Top 10 Tools was acquired with the vision of enhancing its alignment with the values of 95 Percent Group. This initiative included transitioning the course to a new platform for a more streamlined user experience, updating content and research, and producing revised videos. Additionally, we are committed to infusing the program with diversity, ensuring that educators can see themselves and their students reflected in the product. We also plan to expand the language in the videos regarding English Learner (EL) students and better address the long-term costs of illiteracy.

There are currently three different versions of Top 10 Tools to engage with, depending on the level of learning and support necessary:

• Our standard Top 10 Tools course is ideally for classroom teachers that are instructing K-5 students on literacy skills daily.
• Our new 95 Foundations course was created to educate all staff who may be supporting children learning to read. It’s a low-cost, high-impact product that highlights specific tools for this specific purpose.
• Top 10 Tools IDA (International Dyslexia Association) course is an extension of the standard course. This course is ideal for educators, literacy specialists, or leaders seeking professional credentials.

Q: What makes Top 10 Tools different from other programs?

A: Top 10 Tools is comprehensive and rigorous, but efficient: it can be completed in just 45 hours. Other programs are stretched over multiple years. We know educators have demanding schedules—our goal is to provide them with the knowledge they need to change their practices in the classroom right away. Additionally, because Dr. Deb Glaser (the original author of the program) was a classroom instructor and knew that teachers needed a connection to the classroom, it really resonates with educators. It gives them permission to do something different. It empowers them to embrace new practices, ensuring they can best serve their students. It is accessible, offered at very affordable price points.

Q: What do you want districts and schools to know about Top 10 Tools?

A: Top 10 Tools equips educators with evidence-aligned strategies and practices to effectively teach students to read. I believe literacy is an inalienable right, and to achieve this, we must support teachers in evolving their practices. We can’t transform student outcomes without first transforming teacher practices.

Every child should have the right to learn to read, and I believe that if we invest in helping our educators teach foundational reading skills in an evidence-aligned way, we can change the trajectory of our students’ lives.

And, that really is my bottom line. I fiercely believe this product can support that.

Q: What are you most excited about with all that’s coming under the Top 10 Tools umbrella?

A:  The thing that makes me excited is thinking about the impact this will have on students. The content is rich and comprehensive and provides the education and practice that teachers need. Practice is so necessary—we can all learn something new, but if there isn’t an opportunity to implement and practice, it’s easy to fall back to our “comfortable place,” usually something we know well and have been practicing for a while. With Top 10 Tools, educators are gaining that deeper dive into practice in a cohort—a professional learning community (PLC)-type environment—so that they have that consistent practice after gaining the knowledge. This means it’s more likely it will ultimately change their literacy instructional practices.

I believe this course can change education in the United States. And, as I shared before: What excites me the most is the opportunity to support our educators in envisioning the lasting, life-changing impact this will have on students and delivering literacy instruction where teaching students to read is no longer a guessing game.

Learn more

Ready to bring lasting literacy change to your classroom? Discover how Top 10 Tools™ by 95 Percent Group can empower your educators with the science of reading expertise they need to make a difference.

Top 10 Tools™ by 95 Percent Group is making headlines

Learn how our latest addition, 95 Foundational Tools, is bringing the science of reading to every corner of the school community.