Spelling Mastery

A research-proven program that uses the evidence-based Direct Instruction method to enable teachers to deliver highly interactive, structured lessons that help students learn dependable spelling skills.

About the Program

Grade Levels: 1 - 3

SRA Early Interventions in Reading identifies at-risk children in stage 1, providing critical content and clear instruction required to help turn students struggling to read into skilled readers. Through daily, explicit, and systematic instruction, the program addresses the needs of children who are falling behind in their standard reading development. Each  lesson is developed to build student mastery of key skills through activities designed around five central content strands: Phonemic Awareness, Letter-Sound Correspondences, Word Recognition and Spelling, Fluency, and Comprehension Strategies.

The program uses prescribed lesson plans to help teachers deliver explicit instruction, to assist students in the fluent use of alphabetic knowledge and reading comprehension strategies. Specific small-group instruction prevents reading failure by providing:

  • Explicit instruction in phonics, emphasising fluency
  • A carefully constructed scope and sequence for clear progression
  • Systematic cueing of appropriate strategies to help children learn to apply new skills
  • Suitable levels of scaffolding, promoting independence
  • On-going assessment, to aid in evaluating progress and further identifying students needs for next steps

Academic research studies have confirmed over ninety-nine percent of students at risk of reading failure at the beginning of the academic year were no longer at risk of failing in reading after using SRA Early Interventions in Reading. Key fndings were that:

  • The combination of quality classroom instruction and systematic intervention positively effected reading skills of at-risk students
  • Significant growth on measures of word attack, word identification, passage comprehension, and oral reading fluency were achieved.
  • SRA Early Interventions in Reading closed the gap between average performers and struggling readers
  • There was an overall positive impact on participating students

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Sample Lessons


Click on a Grade level below to view a sample lesson from the Teacher Presentation Book and Student Workbook.

Placement Test


Placement tests help determine which level of Early Interventions in Reading is appropriate for a student.  To assist in placing your students at the correct level, please follow the link below.

Research Base

  • The Effects of Theoretically Different Instruction and Student Characteristics on the Skills of Struggling Readers

    This study investigated the effectiveness of combining enhanced classroom instruction and intense supplemental intervention for struggling readers in first grade. Further, it compared two supplemental interventions derived from distinct theoretical orientations, examining them in terms of effects on academic outcomes and whether children’s characteristics were differentially related to an instructional intervention.

  • The Case for Early Intervention in Reading

    This report shows that the latest research points to a critical truth: Early intervention in the primary grades can prevent reading problems for most children and significantly reduce reading disabilities. Early intervention allows students to get help before reading problems become entrenched and complicated by self-concept issues.

Other Scientific Research