CASE STUDIES

A Multiyear Partnership Fuels Remarkable Literacy Gains

Since 2023, Springboard's science of reading-aligned program has helped pre-K and kindergarten students at PS 171 reach grade-level reading.

School Profile

Location

New York City, NY
Geographic Region #4

School Enrollment:

774 Pre-K–8 students

Springboard Program Enrollment

30 Kindergarten students served

School Demographics:

95% Minority students

59% Hispanic or Latino
82% Economically disadvantaged

4% Multilingual learners

Overview

PS 171 Patrick Henry Preparatory faced early literacy challenges: limited academic after-school programs, resource gaps, and a high-needs population with many students reading below grade level. In 2023, the school partnered with Springboard Collaborative to launch a multiyear, science of reading-aligned after-school program for pre-K and kindergarten students, part of a broader citywide literacy initiative supporting the NYC Reads Initiative.

The program combines high-quality instructional materials, family engagement through Team-Building Huddles and Family Workshops, and a dedicated support team that trains and coaches teachers, paraprofessionals, and leaders. Sessions run three days a week after school for eight to 10 weeks, with a 15-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and a curriculum focused on foundational literacy skills.

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Challenges

Limited Academic After-School Programs

Most after-school programs were recreational, not academic, leaving a gap for pre-K and kindergarten students.

Resource Disparities

Many families lacked reading materials, and language barriers made at-home learning support harder to sustain.

Achievement Gap

Despite gains in grades 3-8, where the percentage of students scoring proficient or above in ELA rose from 62.3% in 2017 to 80.5% in 2022, 30% of kindergarten students began the 2023-2024 school year reading below grade level, a gap made more pressing by the fact that over 82% of students are economically disadvantaged.

Solution

High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)

Evidence-based materials, including a standards-aligned, science of reading curriculum and family resources in English and Spanish (including digital texts), addressed the lack of literacy resources at home and created consistency between school and home learning.

Family Engagement

Team-Building Huddles (home visits) and Family Workshops built family-teacher partnerships and addressed disparities in at-home support, with materials provided in English and Spanish.

Dedicated Support Team

Springboard's internal team supported implementation through preprogram training for teachers, paraprofessionals, and leaders; Professional Learning Communities that used data to refine teaching practice and family workshop facilitation; and weekly coaching for teachers and leaders.

Structured Program Delivery

Springboard supported enrollment campaigns and provided materials in English and Spanish, then delivered literacy instruction after school three days a week for eight to 10 weeks per session, with a curriculum focused on foundational skills aligned to DIBELS 8th Edition, plus weekly Family Workshops.

Results

PS 171’s success showcases the transformative power of early literacy prevention. High-quality pre-K and kindergarten programs, coupled with strong family engagement, prepare young learners for success.

4.4

Months reading growth

97%

Pre-K and kindergarten students on track for grade-level reading by Spring 2024

98%

Family Workshop attendance rate

“My daughter started pre-K knowing only the alphabet song. Just four months into the program, she’s asking how to spell words and write her alphabet! This program has given me the guidance I needed to support her reading at home.”

Parent
P.S. 171

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