Strategic Literacy Advancement: Voyager Sopris Learning Programs Approved for the Minnesota READ Act
The landscape of literacy instruction in Minnesota is undergoing a profound and necessary transformation. With passage and implementation of the Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act, state leaders have signaled a definitive shift toward evidence-based instruction grounded in the science of reading. For district leaders and educators, this transition represents both a significant opportunity and a complex logistical challenge: Ensuring every classroom is equipped with solutions that are not only effective but also fully compliant with state mandates.
Voyager Sopris Learning® has spent decades creating solutions aligned to the same Structured Literacy principles the READ Act now requires. We are pleased to share our intervention solutions Voyager Passport®, Sound Partners, and REWARDS®, have been officially vetted and approved by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
The Rigor Behind the Recommendation
The MDE’s approved list is not merely a directory; it is the result of an exhaustive review process conducted in partnership with the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota. Programs were evaluated based on their alignment with the science of reading, their ability to provide explicit and systematic instruction, and their proven efficacy in closing achievement gaps.
By selecting a Voyager Sopris Learning program, Minnesota district leaders can move forward with the assurance their intervention strategy meets the highest standards of the READ Act. This approval ensures educators can confidently utilize state-allocated funding to implement programs proven to work for the students who need the most support.
MDE-Approved Intervention Solutions From Voyager Sopris Learning
Our approved programs address the literacy continuum from early foundational skills in kindergarten through the complex decoding requirements of secondary education.
1. Voyager Passport (Grades K–5)
As a comprehensive Tier 2 intervention, Voyager Passport is designed to accelerate students to grade-level proficiency. It provides 30 minutes of daily, explicit instruction in the “Big Five” essential components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Why it fits the READ Act: Voyager Passport is built on a Structured Literacy framework. It follows a logical Scope and Sequence that ensures no gaps are left in a student’s foundational knowledge. For educators, the program offers a streamlined instructional path, allowing for high-impact teaching without an overwhelming amount of prep time.
2. Sound Partners (Grades K–3)
Early intervention is the cornerstone of the READ Act, and Sound Partners is an industry-leading solution for this purpose. This research-based tutoring program is specifically designed for individual or small-group instruction, focusing heavily on phonemic awareness and early phonics.
- Why it fits the READ Act: One of the greatest challenges for district leaders is providing enough specialized support. Sound Partners is unique because its scripted, clear format allows it to be delivered effectively by teachers, paraprofessionals, or even trained volunteers, making it an ideal solution for educators looking to maximize their personnel resources.
3. REWARDS (Grades 4–12)
Many students hit a “reading wall” in the upper grades when they encounter complex, multisyllabic words in science, social studies, and literature. REWARDS (Reading Excellence: Word Attack and Rate Development Strategies) is a short-term, high-interest suite of interventions that teaches students a proven strategy for breaking down long words.
- Why it fits the READ Act: The READ Act emphasizes literacy instruction does not end in third grade. REWARDS is the gold standard for adolescent literacy intervention. Created by literacy expert Dr. Anita Archer, it provides the explicit instruction in multisyllabic decoding and academic vocabulary necessary for older students to access grade-level content.
Beyond Materials: A Partnership for Implementation
Adopting an approved program is the first step, but successful implementation requires more than just high-quality materials. Voyager Sopris Learning is committed to being a long-term partner for Minnesota districts. We provide comprehensive professional development and data-management tools to ensure educators feel supported and student progress is measurable and transparent.
Ready to align your district with MDE standards? Contact our team for a deep dive into how these approved solutions can be integrated into your Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework.