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On grade level by 1st. Reclassification by 5th.
From preschool speaking confidence to 5th-grade academic language success with Joy School English
The science of reading begins with the art of speaking
There is a fundamental relationship between oral language and literacy.
The Reading Rope, designed by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, visually illustrates how language comprehension and word recognition skills are interdependent in developing a proficient reader. While many reading programs focus primarily on the easier-to-teach word recognition skills, Joy School® English places a strategic emphasis on oral language to build language comprehension. This solid foundation in oral language helps children become successful readers, strong communicators, and confident learners.
All students on grade level by first grade
Reclassify multilingual learners by end of elementary
Reclassify multilingual learners by end of elementary
Being on grade level in first-grade means a student can confidently decode, read, and understand first-grade text by the end of the year. Joy School English achieves this through engaging videos, songs, and games that prioritize oral language. Our joyful, interactive approach builds:
- Foundational Skills: Developing robust phonological awareness and phonics knowledge so students can seamlessly read simple, connected text.
- Reading Fluency: Empowering students to read grade-appropriate passages aloud with the accuracy and speed needed to truly support comprehension.
- Deep Comprehension: Teaching young learners to comfortably retell stories, identify main ideas, and make meaningful text-to-self connections.
Reclassify multilingual learners by end of elementary
Reclassify multilingual learners by end of elementary
Reclassify multilingual learners by end of elementary
Elementary multilingual learners most often stall at the intermediate level on state language assessments (WIDA, ELPAC, TELPAS, etc.) due to gaps in academic language proficiency, particularly in productive domains (speaking and writing) and discipline-specific language. While these students possess functional social English, they struggle with the linguistic complexity, precision, and independence required for reclassification. Joy School English bridges this gap. We actively help students:
- Develop Academic Language: Moving beyond social English to express complex, academic thoughts with confidence.
- Target Writing Complexity: Guiding students to produce structured, precise sentences across school subjects.
- Master Informational Text: Equipping learners with the critical inference skills needed to navigate nonfiction.
Measurable Results
A recent independent study revealed that students who used Joy School English at the recommended level saw a 55% average improvement on their WIDA ACCESS scale score. It also found a strong correlation that suggests the SPARC Score is a reliable predictor of WIDA ACCESS outcomes.
A recent analysis of Initial ELPAC outcomes for students in California showed that, on average, students using Joy School English achieved Initial Fluent English Proficient (IFEP) status and scored 26% higher than non-users—placing them two full proficiency bands above their peers.
When a large New York City public school implemented Joy School English, the number of ELL students achieving the highest proficiency tier on the NYSESLAT more than doubled year-over-year over a two-year period, representing a 4X increase overall.
SPARC Speaking Proficiency Score
A new standard for measuring speaking proficiency
Introducing the SPARC Score, a first-of-its-kind metric for measuring spoken English proficiency. Seamlessly integrated into Joy School English, the SPARC Speaking Proficiency Score delivers real-time insight into students’ oral language development and tracks their growth over time—giving educators a powerful, precise tool to monitor progress and guide instruction more effectively.
A reliable diagnostic tool for predicting outcomes on state assessments
What's more, a recent independent study showed a strong correlation between SPARC and English language proficiency assessment scores. This allows us to estimate equivalent scores for assessments like WIDA, TELPAS, and ELPAC and project likely performance over time based on usage.
Character-building values, social & emotional learning
Academic success and character development go hand in hand.
Joy School English supports the whole child by integrating universal values like honesty, positivity, and self‑worth directly into the curriculum. Aligned with the CASEL framework for social and emotional learning, these lessons were developed alongside #1 New York Times bestselling authors and values experts Linda and Richard Eyre. This integrated approach ensures students gain the tools to make responsible decisions and build meaningful connections.