Leaning Into Literacy with Lexia Learning Systems and Güd Marketing

CONCORD, NH — Two exciting new initiatives have launched in the Granite State, both designed to improve the love of reading, enhance reading proficiency among New Hampshire youth, and provide educators and other adults with the tools needed to build literacy skills for students.

“Strong literacy skills can empower children, while also filling in the gaps across all subjects and academic areas. When children learn to read, they will inevitably read to learn,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “The more children know about language and literacy before they begin kindergarten and first-grade, the better equipped they are to succeed in literacy and beyond.”

The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) has partnered with Lexia Learning Systems of Concord, Mass., to offer all eligible New Hampshire participants access to Lexia’s LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) suite of professional learning programs designed to provide a deep knowledge of literacy and language expertise in the science of reading. LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction – phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language. 

• LETRS for Early Childhood Educators is an 18-week program that offers deep knowledge of literacy instruction for the youngest learners, and provides practical information for building language and cognitive skills; this is best suited for parents, caregivers and those working in an early childhood setting.
• LETRS for Elementary Educators is an 18-month program that provides teachers with essential knowledge to master the fundamentals of literacy instruction required to transform student learning. 
• LETRS for Administrators is an 18-week program that provides participants with capacity to create systems and structures in their schools and districts to achieve high levels of academic performance and growth in literacy. 

“Lexia LETRS for educators is an investment in teachers’ literacy knowledge and professional practice,” said Nick Gaehde, Lexia Learning President. “Teachers gain essential skills to master the fundamentals of literacy instruction required to apply and transform student learning. We are looking forward to partnering with New Hampshire as they help their students establish a firm foundation in reading and literacy skills.” 

In a separate initiative, NHED has partnered with Güd Marketing of Lansing, Mich., to launch a new Statewide Reading Campaign. The objective is to promote the love of reading among New Hampshire youth, as well as strong literacy skills, reading proficiency and the importance of becoming life-long readers. 

“Reading opens up the world for children. This campaign will build awareness around the value and benefits of being an efficient and competent reader,” said Edelblut. “Our statewide assessment scores indicate the importance and the need to close some learning gaps, and we want to make sure we are offering all students a firm foundation for success. Reading is the core of that foundation.” 

The reading campaign will include advertising, marketing and social media efforts, as well as a video series that offers a light-hearted and fun approach to reading. 

“We are excited and eager to work side-by-side with NHED to strengthen communities by increasing childhood literacy rates,” said Deborah Horak, Güd Marketing principal. “Creating a passion for reading among early learners while they are still young is the ideal time to enhance literacy skills.”