Tennessee Success Stories

We use Reading Comprehension and Super Phonics on a regular basis. Essential Skills is the most highly used software in our school. Our students love Essential Skills! They don't feel like they are doing work, but they are actually learning as the programs teach and reinforce the skills in a fun way. They are appropriate for children of any ability level and they allow children to work independently at their own pace.

Janice Cope, Reading Interventionist
Midway School, New Tazewell, Tennessee

I really love the Essential Skills programs. They are colorful and fun for kids. The children can work independently and successfully at their own level and pace. These programs tie into all five essential components of Reading First. They enhance what is being taught in the classroom and we have seen marked improvements in student performance. I would highly recommend these programs to other teachers.

Kimberly McNab, Reading First Literacy Leader
Stratton Elementary, Nashville, Tennessee

The programs from Essential Skills are used in our computer lab three times per week by 13 classes. Even the Kindergarten children can use them. The programs are very engaging and user friendly for the teacher as well as the children. They are all about skill development. There is no fluff and no time wasting. It is good supplemental practice and reinforcement material for any classroom curriculum.

Susan Clarke, Literacy Leader
Parris South Elementary, Savannah, Tennessee

The Essential Skills programs allow the students to learn independently. They are easy to follow and the children pick up each day from where they left off. We are observing a definite improvement in their acquisition of reading skills particularly in sound blending.

Lulu Corbitt, Reading Intervention
Cheatham Park Elem, Springfield, Tennessee

The programs from Essential Skills cover all the skills that the students need. The children are always engaged and it is easy to see the steady progress the children are making. The tracking and reporting features are excellent! The skills in these programs complement and reflect what is being taught in the classroom.

Jeannette Massey, Intervention Teacher
Carthage Elem, Carthage, Tennessee

First we demonstrate the Essential Skills programs on the Smartboard, The children quickly learn how to use the programs and work independently on their skills. They are engaged and stay focused. It is easy to observe the progress students are making. The skills in the programs are in alignment and are a great supplement to what is being taught in the classroom. Essential Skills is a great low cost solution in times of tight budgets.

DeLisa Alsup, Intervention Teacher
Alexander Elem, Jackson, Tennessee

We use Essential Skills as a supplement for RTI tier 2. The programs are very child friendly. Readiness Skills for pre K is awesome! We have used Starfall in the past but it is impossible to find free stuff that is sponsor free or ad free. Readiness Skills covers many of the skills for pre K. This is a great value program!

Gayle Uhles, Literacy Leader
Union Heights Elem, Carthage, Tennessee

My ESL children have benefited greatly from using the Essential Skills Literacy programs. We have TECaliforniaP testing once a year as well as the ELDA. 75% of the Children in my reading and ESL class are making adequate yearly growth because of their work with the Essential Skills programs. I have used these programs for nine years with great success. The students learn quickly and are able to work independently at their own level and pace.

Christie Swayze, ESL Teacher
Thomas Intermediate, Shelbyville, Tennessee

Essential Skills programs are like having extra helping hands in the classroom. With these programs specific skills can be assessed and the data collection and reporting tools are excellent because everything has to be documented these days. My students love the programs and are retaining and generalizing the skills they learn. The extra practice helps them to learn and reinforce the skills they missed in the lower grades. All my students are able to work independently at their own pace and level of ability.

Billie Freeman, Resource Teacher
Gibbs Elementary, Knoxville, Tennessee