research-backed

From regular student assessment to contracting for independent studies, Reading Partners systematically collects, analyzes, and uses data to generate knowledge, improve programs, and report on impacts.

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science of reading

The established and growing research we have about how students learn to read, including systemic phonics education.

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individualized

A facet of high-dosage tutoring in which a tutor offers one-on-one attention to their student, resulting in targeted support, and personalized literacy learning.

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high-dosage

The frequency of a learning experience. For example, Reading Partners students receive twice weekly tutoring for maximum growth.

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educational equity

Ensuring every student, no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic level, or location has access to the resources and support they need to succeed in school and in life.

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Jess Simmons

Jess Simmons

Jess brings over 10 years of experience in leadership, fundraising, partnership development, program operations, and systems design to Reading Partners. After working with a number of education enrichment and alternative education programs, Jess taught first and second in Greensboro, NC as well as high school biology in Maine. Her subsequent leadership roles included serving as a program director and regional director for Outward Bound while working to expand their urban education and teacher professional development programs. Prior to joining Reading Partners, Jess served as project director for an international school leadership program as well as designEDU, a Colorado-based innovation incubator for educators. Jess was a Presidential Fellow while receiving her BA in Curriculum Design at Guilford College and received her Master of Social Change Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and the Wharton School.