Company: CORE Learning, San Francisco, CA
Company Description: For 25+ years, CORE has pioneered evidence-based and research-grounded professional learning experiences and school supports that equip educators with the tools they need to advance rigorous instruction, high-quality materials, and effective assessments. In 2017, CORE became a subsidiary of Pivot Learning, the largest non-profit technical assistance provider for school districts in California.
Nomination Category: Product & Service Categories - Education & Education Technology Solutions
Nomination Sub Category: Professional Development Solution
 Nomination Title: OL&LA: The Complete Picture of Equitable Literacy Instruction
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the the nominated new or new-version product or service, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
Written answers to the questions
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: If this is a brand-new product, state the date on which it was released. If this is a new version of an existing product, state the date on which the update was released:
This is an updated and rebranded version of an existing product. On March 11, 2024, OL&LA (Online Language and Literacy Academy) replaced OERA (Online Elementary Reading Academy).
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Describe the features, functions, and benefits of the nominated product or service (up to 350 words):
Total 326 words used.
OL&LA (Online Language and Literacy Academy) stands apart in this crowded edtech landscape by fundamentally redefining Structured Literacy professional learning. Unlike traditional programs that treat literacy and language acquisition in isolation, OL&LA offers a comprehensive solution that merges these two critical components [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION]. Structured Literacy is effective for linguistically diverse learners, but it is only part of the solution. When educators understand Structured Literacy and Second Language Acquisition, they can identify and build upon the linguistic assets that all students bring to the classroom. By doing this, they make Structured Literacy accessible and effective for every learner—including Multilingual Learners, English variety speakers, and students with dyslexia.
OL&LA's unique approach is based on the understanding that literacy and language development are inextricably linked and that effective literacy instruction must integrate language learning to be truly equitable. This approach is not confined to language-diverse learners; it is essential for effective literacy instruction across the board.
OL&LA is transformative in two key areas:
1. Transforming perception: OL&LA shifts the narrative around linguistic diversity from viewing it as a challenge to recognizing it as an invaluable asset. This perspective is crucial for fostering inclusive classrooms where each student's cultural and linguistic background is acknowledged as a foundation for learning, not an obstacle.
2. Transforming instruction: By blending Structured Literacy with second-language acquisition principles, OL&LA empowers educators to leverage students' unique literacy and linguistic strengths. This strategy not only supports linguistically diverse students but also enriches the educational experience for their peers, providing more personalized and effective instruction that benefits every learner.
OL&LA's innovation lies not only in its content but also in its delivery. Developed by CORE, which is known for its over two decades of championing the science of reading, OL&LA is built on a foundation of expertise and evidence-based practices.
Its success is reflected in its remarkable market performance and glowing endorsements from state education agencies, researchers, and—most importantly—the educators and students it serves.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Outline the market performance, critical reception, and customer satisfaction with the product or service to date. State monetary or unit sales figures to date, if possible, and how they compare to expectations or past performance. Provide links to laudatory product or service reviews. Include some customer testimonials, if applicable (up to 350 words):
Total 339 words used.
OL&A (Online Language and Literacy Academy) has shown outstanding performance and received significant praise from industry experts and customers. Our sales not only met but doubled our initial goals, indicating a strong market demand for our unique combination of Structured Literacy and Second Language Acquisition. The success of this first-of-its-kind professional learning places us at the forefront of our field. Feedback from state education agencies and educational researchers has been exceptionally positive, affirming the innovation, quality, and user experience of our product. Such endorsements underline our market leadership and the distinct advantages OL&LA offers over other literacy education solutions.
Customer satisfaction is also remarkably high. The numerous positive testimonials we've received highlight the transformative impact OL&LA has on educators and students alike, offering a powerful testament to the value and effectiveness of our program.
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“I love that I can navigate to any module in the course from every screen and that there are links to the community chat and writings and reflections as well. I also love the feature that shows where I am presently working and how much of the module I have completed.”
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“I thought this course was well laid out and very practical. I love the discussions, the videos, the classwork, and the books. I think it will greatly impact my teaching, especially with the assessments. … The Teaching Reading Sourcebook gave me many strategies on what to do after I’ve assessed the child.”
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“I also liked the short quizzes/quick checks. They helped focus my attention on the most important information.”
Our user feedback not only proves our product's impact but also points to the significant improvements in literacy education that it brings. OL&LA stands out in the market, earning endorsements from education leaders and winning customer approval for its effectiveness and quality, and the fact that we've surpassed our sales goals highlights a strong market demand. Moving forward, we are committed to continuing our innovation and excellence to ensure we meet our customers' needs and maintain our leadership position in the market
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 119 words used.
Included with this nomination are three key pieces of evidence—a concise video overview, a detailed product comparison guide, and an informative overview brochure—along with insights from feedback gathered from our beta users. The video provides a quick, engaging summary of OL&LA’s unique value proposition, illustrating our practical applications and user testimonials. The comparison guide showcases OL&LA against our top two competitors, emphasizing our superior features, usability, and benefits, with beta user feedback underscoring the real-world advantages of our approach. The brochure offers a comprehensive view of OL&LA that reinforces our innovation, effectiveness, and leadership in the market. Combined with candid feedback from early users, these materials substantiate the nomination's assertions by displaying OL&LA’s standout achievements and impactful customer experiences.
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