TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Small groups are creating big gains at a Marana elementary school.

With fewer than four in 10 Pima County students reading at grade level, Gladden Farms Elementary said it has improved literacy by 10-30% since 2021, depending on grade level. The improvement comes from a new strategy called “Lit Labs.”

Gladden Farms Elementary started teaching reading in small groups two years ago. The strategy is boosting scores and has not cost the district any money.

How ‘Lit Labs’ work

At Gladden Farms, each grade splits off for an hour every day.

Kindergarten starts in the morning, with third-grade getting their hour of literacy in the afternoon. During the hour, students switch teachers every 20 minutes, getting personalized instruction in small groups.

“It’s li

See Full Page