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Utah State Board of Education Approves Really Great Reading Tier I Solutions

Utah State Board of Education Approves Really Great Reading Tier I Solutions

Countdown, Blast, and HD Word to Strengthen Phonics and Phonemic Awareness Instruction in Utah’s K-3 Classrooms

Press Release | December 11, 2024

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Really Great Reading, a pioneer in evidence-based literacy instruction, is proud to announce that our Tier I suite of products—Countdown, Blast, and HD Word— has been approved in Utah. These solutions support reading proficiency across Utah’s K-3 classrooms. Our innovative programs are created to deliver impactful, effective, and engaging instruction that is aligned with the Science of Reading and provides teachers and students with the tools they need to achieve reading success.

Countdown: Foundational Skills
Countdown is a foundational kindergarten program that introduces key literacy skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary. With structured lessons, hands-on workbooks, and digital resources, Countdown builds the early reading skills children need to succeed.

Blast: Strengthening Skills
Blast Foundations is a first-grade reading supplement focused on phonics and fluency. Through multisensory, systematic instruction, Blast helps students master reading basics with interactive lessons and supportive digital tools.

HD Word: Advanced Phonics
HD Word is a phonics intervention program for Grades 2-3, emphasizing decoding and fluency to boost reading accuracy. HD Word’s structured lessons and digital resources provide essential support for developing strong reading skills.

"We are thrilled to offer Utah educators Countdown, Blast, and HD Word—programs designed to simplify literacy instruction and help each child unlock the joy of reading. Our Tier One suite integrates research-based practices with flexible, teacher-friendly resources that foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment."

Amy Vanden Boogart
Vice President of Curriculum Products and Services at Really Great Reading
Really Great Reading’s Approved K-5 Programs Include
  • Countdown is a foundational kindergarten program that introduces essential literacy skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary through structured lessons, interactive workbooks, and digital resources.
  • Blast is a 1st-grade supplement focused on phonics and fluency, using multisensory instruction to solidify reading basics. Blast’s interactive format keeps students engaged while reinforcing key skills.
  • HD Word is a program for grades 2-5 that emphasizes decoding and fluency, equipping students with essential reading accuracy and comprehension strategies.

Really Great Reading’s programs are adaptable as they can be used for whole-class, small-group, and individual learning environments. We are committed to being a trusted literacy partner for Missouri’s educators and aim to empower students with the skills they need to become confident, capable readers.

Don’t miss the highlights of Really Great Reading's 2024 literacy success!

Really Great Reading is dedicated to helping educators transform reading instruction through effective, research-based practices. With innovative products and a dedication to supporting literacy at every stage, Really Great Reading strives to empower students, teachers, and communities. To learn more about our literacy solutions, visit Really Great Reading.

 


 

Media Contact:
Shirley Verónica Cardona | VP of Marketing
(she/her)
Email Shirley
305.338.2054