The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) created the UFLI foundations program as a systematic, explicit approach to teaching phonics and foundational reading skills.

• Systematic: lessons are built and carefully sequenced to build from simple to complex

• Explicit: Skills are taught to students directly and clearly, with teacher modeling and guided practice

• Multi-sensory: Instruction engages students through visual, auditorial and kinesthetics.

Research from the National Reading Panel (2000) and Moats (2020) emphasizes that systematic and explicit phonics instruction is the most effective way for teachers to build strong readers in the classroom. UFLI's design follows this evidence base, making it highly effective at closing student gaps and supporting students in the classroom who struggle with decoding and fluency.

This program also aligns closely with the Florida B.ES.T Standards ensuring that the instruction meets state literacy expectations while also helping to give teachers the tools to deliver well rounded and engaging lessons.