Unique Learning System: The science of reading in action

Student reading from a sheet of paper at a table

Unique Learning System is a standards-first, modified curriculum that provides engaging, differentiated instruction to students with moderate to severe needs who are served in special education.  See how Unique Learning System addresses the five pillars of reading instruction, which align to Science of Reading research.

The science of reading in action

See how Unique Learning System (ULS) addresses the 5 pillars of reading instruction.

Phonemic awareness

ULS provides:
  • A scope and sequence of phonological and phonemic awareness skills that progress from easier to more difficult
  • Strategies to demonstrate how sounds are connected to letters

Phonics

ULS provides:
  • A predictable phonics routine that emphasizes decoding and the grapheme-phoneme connection
  • Letter-sound instruction that starts with high-utility letters
  • Common word types that are introduced first
  • Ways to encode regular words with known letter sounds

Fluency

ULS provides:
  • Repeated practice in regular words with taught patterns and irregular words
  • Sentence and passage reading
  • Independent reading of texts that include previously taught phonics elements and other accessible rich, complex text

Vocabulary

ULS provides:
  • Instruction in rich, high-utility words that are conversational
  • New words that are explicitly modeled using student-friendly definitions and multiple examples
  • Opportunities for practicing new words in a variety of ways
  • Explicit, systematic instruction on basic morphemic analysis

Comprehension

ULS provides:
  • High-utility comprehension strategies taught through interactive read-alouds of high-quality literature and texts.
  • Chances to retell, analyze text structure and elements, and build comprehension skills
  • A strategic sequence of connected texts to build vocabulary and knowledge.

Realize the potential in every student

Unique Learning System is a standards-aligned, modified special education curriculum that provides engaging, differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students with moderate to severe disabilities.

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PRODUCT

Empower every learner with the Unique Learning System, a complete special education curriculum designed to save teachers time and help every student grow with confidence.

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