Lori Severino

Co-founder Credentials Unlimited Retired Assistant Professor Drexel University, WLT Dyslexia Therapist #everyonereads #saydyslexia #SoRmicrocredentials

[Richard Innes @Innes434]

Too many in education try to confuse the issue of what reading skills students really need to be successful in modern society with the "what grade level means" discussion. It's a misguided, and incorrect, argument. Who cares what the current average reading level is if it isn't preparing students adequately to succeed in life.

For a number of years, Kentucky offered a unique and data-rich opportunity to study this issue, at least for Grade 8 NAEP Reading. The Bluegrass State was testing all students in selected grades with several different tests from ACT, Inc., the EXPLORE Test and the ACT college entrance test.

Those ACT tests provided scoring linked to actual performances in college freshman classes. Comparing the state's NAEP "Proficient" statistics to the EXPLORE's and ACT's Readiness Benchmark statistics was quite illuminating, as you can read here: https://t.co/ayVyJ9Tnry.

Whether we consider overall student results, results for different racial groups, results for poor students, or those with an IEP, and even separate NAEP results for the Jefferson County Public School System, the NAEP Proficient standard compares remarkably well with evidence from ACT's tests about what is needed for college readiness (see one example of the agreement below -- more are in the linked report). The agreement looks even better once the sampling errors in the NAEP scores are considered.

In addition, other research from ACT, Inc. indicates that the skill levels needed for college success now are the same skills business and industry say are needed for non-college track living wage career entry.

So, NAEP "Proficient" actually sets a pretty good standard for both college and career readiness, one that states should mirror in their state assessment programs, but few do.

Those who argue that the NAEP Proficiency standard is simply set too high just don't understand what is really important. And, you're unlikely to solve a problem if you don't understand how big an issue it truly is.

Bottom line: @NationalParents is rightly concerned. Far too many students in the US are not being adequately prepared.

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@Innes434 @PhonicsMom @NationalParents Thank you for sharing this! The information is so important.

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

We've been having these conversations for years and now through podcasts like Grit & Grace, you get a glimpse into how passionate we are about ensurung ALL have success in literacy. Thank you @AngieHanlin for this opportunity to share! And thanks to Reid Lyon for his inspiration!

[AngieHanlin @AngieHanlin]

So grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Reid Lyon and Dr. Lori Severino ❤️ Truly giants in the field of literacy, and this conversation is one I won’t forget.

This episode drops Tuesday. Stay tuned ❤️

#AngelaHanlin #AllMeansALL

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@AngieHanlin I think it was such a great conversation because it felt like we were just a group of friends hanging out discussing our passion!

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@KJWinEducation I loved diagramming sentences! It made written language so clear to me!

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

2026 PA Literacy Summit https://t.co/JnNy6H4XWk via @YouTube

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@KJWinEducation And can we have the Intervention scope and sequence when they are getting support match tier 1! Let's use the same language for concepts across the board! Often students that receive special ed services- who need the most consistency- hear the same concept described differently

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@AngieHanlin Congratulatuons to Molly!

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@burnsmk1 @UF @UF_COE Congratulations, Alison!

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@SorforMore Me! Let's do it!

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

https://t.co/JejHVDvMZc The first course will be announced in a few hours!

[Daryl Michel (Mick-le), PhD @DarylAMichel]

SALE!! Take advantage of this offer - doesn't last long! @DonnaHejtmanek @ACEliteracy @janhasbrouck #instructionalcoach #educoach #teacher https://t.co/cpCFnFqol8

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

Words to the wise!

[Kareem J. Weaver @KJWinEducation]

Biggest improvement as a school leader came after replacing "They won't do it" with "What do they need from me to get there?"

Actually, I wasnt a leader til I switched. "Need" isn't always comfortable. Ego & pride rebel, friendship & identity are challenged, but for kids sake...

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

This is encouraging. Thank you @JasonOrtitay for continuing the conversation.

[Jason Ortitay @JasonOrtitay]

I had a great conversation with @GovernorShapiro's staff yesterday about structured literacy and including it in this years budget. I appreciated the opportunity to have the conversation and thank the governor and his staff. I left the meeting feeling optimistic about getting it done.

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

The reveal of the 2025 definition of dyslexia. Thank you to those that poured hours and hours to look at the research, gather information from stakeholders and look at this from a global lens. #DyslexiaCon2025 #IDAPA

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@KJWinEducation @PlanetWordDC It is very cool. Also the video on dyslexia is terrific!

[Daryl Michel (Mick-le), PhD @DarylAMichel]

YAY!! We were able to record the live chat: https://t.co/yNvzu9i1sO. Check it out to learn more about this Student-Focused Coaching course.

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

https://t.co/UNdqry6yjL

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

This will be a great event. Of you are in any type of coaching or admin role, you dont want to miss this event!

[Daryl Michel (Mick-le), PhD @DarylAMichel]

Looking forward to highlight the Student-Focused Coaching asynchronous course during the "live" chat w/ @DonnaHejtmanek & @ACEliteracy on October 1st! You'll see parts of the course, hear testimonials, and more! Register here (there won't be a recording): https://t.co/8UheDNfmtU

[Lori Severino @ACEliteracy]

@DarylAMichel @DonnaHejtmanek Looking forward to it.