SPIRE Up Teacher’s Guide – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This article serves as a quick reference guide to common questions and answers raised by teachers. We've compiled responses to the most frequently asked questions and key topics discussed. Use the linked topics below to quickly navigate to the information you need. 

General Program Overview  
Program Structure and Components
Instructional Design
Implementation and Scheduling
Assessment and Data Use  
Support for Diverse Learners
Additional Resources

General Program Overview  

Q: What is SPIRE UP?

A: SPIRE UP is a blended print and digital intervention program designed for striving readers in grades K and above. It is grounded in Structured Literacy and the science of reading, offering explicit, systematic, cumulative, data-driven, and multisensory instruction.

Q: Who is SPIRE UP designed for?

A: Students who need targeted support in decoding and word recognition, especially those who have not yet crossed the “decoding threshold.”

Q: What are the instructional pillars of SPIRE UP?

A: Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Program Structure and Components  

Q: What are the main instructional components of SPIRE UP?

A: Each concept is taught across three lessons:

• • Sounds, Letters, and Words

  • Heart Words and Sentences

  • Connected Text: Let’s Read!

• • Teacher’s Guide (print and digital)

  • Letters and Sound Lesson Guide

  • Student Workbooks (2 volumes)

  • Letters and Sound Workbook

  • Letter Cards and Word Cards

  • Magnetic Letter Tiles and Boards

  • EPS Connect digital platform

     

Q: What is EPS Connect?

A:  EPS Connect is a digital platform for teachers, students, and administrators that provides lesson resources, independent practice activities, and data dashboards.

Instructional Design  

Q: How is each lesson structured?

A: Each lesson includes:

• • Direct Instruction (15 min)

  • Guided Practice (15 min)

  • Independent Practice (15 min)
    
    

Q: How many total lessons are in SPIRE UP?

A: 192 lessons covering 64 target concepts.

Q: What is the instructional framework based on?

A: Gradual release of responsibility: “I do,” “We do,” “You do.”

Implementation and Scheduling  

Q: What is the recommended group size and frequency?

A: Small groups, 30-minute sessions, three times per week. More intensive models are available for students with greater needs.

Q: How long does it take to complete the program?

A: With consistent implementation, students can complete the full sequence in two school years.

Q: Can SPIRE UP be used with students with IEPs?

A: Yes. It can be tailored to meet the frequency and duration specified in a student’s IEP.

Assessment and Data Use  

Q: What assessments are included?

• • Placement assessment

  • Oral reading fluency assessments (WCPM)

  • Ongoing formative assessments during lessons

  • Digital performance tracking via EPS Connect

Q: How is data used to inform instruction?

A: Teachers use real-time data to adjust pacing, group students, and provide scaffolds or reteaching as needed.

Support for Diverse Learners  

Q: How does SPIRE UP support multilingual learners?

A: Through contrastive analysis, cognates, visual supports, and collaborative opportunities in students’ home languages.

Q: What scaffolds are available for students with decoding or spelling difficulties?

A: Strategies include phoneme mapping, finger tapping, visual drills, articulation support, and morphology cues.

Additional Resources

Q: What reproducible resources are included?

• • Family letter

  • Goal-setting sheets

  • Update tickets

  • Fluency and prosody rubric

  • Graphic organizers

  • Writing checklists

Q: How does SPIRE Up promote skills transfer?

A: Through consistent language across settings, recorded texts, and curriculum connections to science, math, and social studies.