Aicardi Early Steps (AES)

A High-Impact Tutoring Program

Building Confident Readers.
Transforming Futures.

At Curry College, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader and writer. The Aicardi Early Steps (AES) curriculum and training program was created to meet a growing need among young learners who struggle with foundational literacy skills during the most critical years of learning.

AES delivers high‑impact, research‑based literacy tutoring for elementary-aged students through individualized and small‑group instruction. In the pilot partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and Literations, this Curry program is currently serving a growing number of students in the South Boston area. AES continues to expand through growing partnerships with public schools and other community organizations - providing professional development and literacy tutoring resources developed by content experts. By combining evidence‑based reading practices, mentorship, and engaging learning experiences, AES helps students strengthen their reading, writing, and overall confidence in a supportive environment.

Research shows that children who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to face academic challenges later on. AES intervenes early with systematic literacy instruction, explicit skill development, and meaningful relationships with trained literacy coaches—ensuring students receive the personalized support they need before learning gaps widen.

Proven Impact

In its pilot year, AES delivered measurable results:

• 96% of participating students demonstrated literacy growth
• Students’ average benchmark scores increased from 29 to 38 points
• Many students reading one to three grade levels below expectations made meaningful academic progress
• Students reported increased confidence and engagement in reading and writing activities

Boys and Girls Club of Boston Program - By the Numbers:

• 44 students served in the pilot study
• 3 community partners: Curry College, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, and Literations
• 1 integrated model combining literacy instruction, mentoring, family engagement, and inclusive practices
• Positive growth observed across multiple literacy measures
• Expanded evaluation planned: approximately  185 students over three years in the next phase of research

Early results are promising. Students participating in the Aicardi Early Steps Program demonstrated meaningful gains in reading achievement, with literacy assessment data showing positive growth trends. These findings suggest that community-based literacy coaching and mentoring may be a powerful approach to expanding educational opportunity and reducing literacy inequality

Canton Public Schools Program - By the Numbers:

• 21 students served: an innovative high school tutoring program for elementary students
• 12 of 13 students (92%) improved on AES assessments
• 17 of 20 students (85%) improved on STAR assessments
• 16 of 19 students (84%) improved in oral reading fluency

Strong growth across multiple literacy measures. In the AES Canton pilot, most students improved their reading performance, with gains observed on AES assessments, STAR assessments, and oral reading fluency measures. The consistency of positive growth across multiple indicators suggests that individualized literacy coaching and high school trained literacy coaching can make a meaningful difference for young readers.

Additional Benefits

Beyond academics, AES fosters self‑esteem, resilience, and positive connections with mentors and peers. The program also offers Curry College students valuable experiential learning opportunities as they prepare for careers in education, literacy, psychology, and community leadership.

As AES expands, donor support will help grow literacy materials, tutor training, assessment tools, and partnerships with additional schools and community organizations. Your investment directly supports young learners who benefit most from early intervention—opening pathways to lifelong academic success.

Together, we can help every child take their next step toward literacy, confidence, and opportunity.