December 7, 2006

Voyager is a researched based reading program that was created to teach children to read in response to The Report of the National Reading Panel Teaching Children To Read. This report is an evidence based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction.

The Voyager Universal Literacy System provides an instructional management accountability system based on DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). DIBLES is used nationwide to guide reading instruction and measure student achievement in grades K-3; however, in the past two years DIBELS has been expanded to include K-6. DIBELS provides a universal measure of reading achievement giving the district the confidence and assurance that reading instruction and achievement for children in Richmond County is aligned nationally. Student achievement in Richmond County as measured by DIBELS documents continued growth in reading achievement to include students with IEP’s.

The Voyager Universal Literacy System provides on-going support across each year of implementation through research based professional development. Three highly qualified educators serve in the role of Program Implementation Specialist who work collaboratively with a district instructional team to monitor, ensure and guide program implementation. Program Implementation Specialists work in the district a minimum of nine days monthly, monitoring implementation, visiting schools, and coaching teachers and administrators at the building level.

Additionally, Voyager Universal Literacy System provides SBRR (Scientific Based Reading Research) hands on manipulatives and materials which are all inclusive for whole group and small group instruction during the CORE as well as supplemental and intervention instructional times.

Voyager Universal Literacy System has been evaluated by multiple groups to include The University of Oregon, the Florida Center for Reading Research, the Consumers Guide for Evaluating Reading Materials. The evaluations found that the Voyager Universal Literary System met the criteria of the National Reading Panel for Research Based Reading Instruction.