Nearly half of the schoolchildren in Hillsborough County are currently reading below their grade level. However, educators are optimistic about a new teaching method that is showing promising results in improving literacy.
The method, known as UFLI Foundations, was developed by the University of Florida Literacy Institute. For the past two years, the Hillsborough County School District has been using it to teach reading to kindergarteners, first and second graders, and as a remedial tool for struggling readers in third through fifth grades. The goal is to ensure all students are reading at grade level by third grade—a critical milestone when children transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” according to the Hillsborough Education Foundation.
How UFLI Works
UFLI Foundations is an eight-step program that systematically teaches phonics. Students learn letter sounds, practice blending them into words, write the words, and use them in sentences. The method emphasizes repetition and practice, helping students recognize letter combinations and read words automatically.
“Students are thriving with this structured, explicit approach to instruction and are becoming confident readers,” said Kaitlin Powers Behn, the district’s literacy coach, who trains both students and teachers in the method.
Parent and Student Success Stories
Allison Trela, a parent of second-grader Joseph and kindergartner Penny, has seen significant improvements in her children’s reading skills. “Penny went from not reading at all to sounding out words without guessing. It’s given her the confidence to be a strong reader,” Trela said.
Her son Joseph, who previously attended a private school without UFLI instruction, has also benefited. After just one year of exposure to the method, he is now reading at a third-grade level—above his current grade. “That’s huge,” Trela added.
Progress in Literacy Rates
Recent data from the 2025 State of the Region Report, compiled by the Tampa Bay Partnership, Community Foundation Tampa Bay, and United Way Suncoast, shows encouraging trends. Kindergarten readiness scores improved by 1.83%, from 50.28% to 52.11%. Third-grade reading proficiency saw a significant jump of 5.87%, rising from 47.70% to 53.57%.
A Shift in Teaching Methods
The approach to teaching reading has evolved over the decades. In the 1950s through the 1970s, phonics was the primary method. However, in later years, the focus shifted to “whole language” instruction, which relied on exposure to text and context clues rather than explicit phonics training.
“Kids were taught to guess words instead of decoding them,” explained Tracie Bergman, Hillsborough’s Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. For example, a child might see a picture of a horse and read the word as “pony.” While this might seem minor, Bergman noted that it becomes problematic as students advance to higher grades where pictures are absent, and guessing words incorrectly hinders comprehension.
The Return to Systematic Phonics
While phonics was reintroduced in later years, it wasn’t always taught systematically. UFLI Foundations now provides a structured, explicit approach to phonics instruction in Hillsborough’s primary grades. Students are tested on their ability to identify letter sounds, read words in sentences, and even decode nonsense words to ensure mastery.
The results are promising. Data from the first year of UFLI implementation showed that most first graders maintained the proficiency levels they achieved by the end of kindergarten. “We’re seeing huge gains,” Bergman said. “About 57-58% of first graders are now proficient, matching or exceeding their progress from the previous year.”
Looking Ahead
With UFLI Foundations, Hillsborough County is making strides in addressing childhood literacy challenges. Educators and parents alike are hopeful that this innovative approach will continue to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in reading—and beyond.
