An OnYourMark Case Study
Overview
At Uplift Luna Primary School in Dallas, Texas, students like Veronica (name changed for privacy) struggled to read at grade level. The challenges were steep: the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, gaps in foundational literacy skills, and the pressure to meet rising academic standards. But with the help of OnYourMark Education and dedicated tutors like Donna Auwarter, Veronica—and many others—found not just academic success, but also confidence and a love for learning.
The Reading Roadblock
The most recent Nation’s Report Card reveals a troubling trend: National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading scores for 4th and 8th graders have declined since 2019. In 2024, the national average reading score for 4th graders is 214 out of 500—and in Texas, it’s two points lower.
Source: The Nation's Report Card: 2024 Reading Snapshot Report for Texas Grade 4
While Texas has taken steps to address literacy challenges through legislation like House Bill 3 and House Bill 1605, which prioritize the Science of Reading and research-based practices, the data shows that there’s still work to be done.
For Uplift Education, a charter school network in Dallas-Fort Worth, the need was urgent. Many students were falling behind, and the network sought a solution that would provide personalized support without overwhelming classroom teachers.
“We saw a lot of gaps in student knowledge from the COVID pandemic,” said Nick Erber, former Director of Learning Acceleration for Uplift Education. “We had Kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders who either never stepped into a classroom or had gone hybrid and were only in a couple of days a week. We saw that we really had a lot of trouble catching up on grade-level literacy.”
Partnering for Literacy Success
Uplift Education turned to OnYourMark Education for high-impact virtual tutoring. The goal was clear: accelerate learning, close reading gaps, and build student confidence.
Enter Donna Auwarter, a 20-year veteran educator with a passion for early literacy. As an OnYourMark tutor, Donna brought not just expertise, but also warmth and dedication to her students. For Veronica, Donna became more than a tutor—she became a mentor and a cheerleader.
Turning the Page: Veronica’s Journey
When Veronica started 1st grade in 2022, she was in the 11th percentile** for reading. Identified as a Tier 2 student, she began receiving OnYourMark’s tutoring services. By the end of the year, she had jumped to the 31st percentile—a 20% increase.
The following year, as a 2nd grader, Veronica worked with Donna Auwarter for 20 minutes a day, four days a week. By midyear, she had climbed to the 47th percentile, and by the end of the year, she stabilized at the 40th percentile—a remarkable achievement considering where she started two years prior.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Now in 3rd grade, Veronica is no longer receiving OnYourMark tutoring, but the impact of her time with Donna is undeniable. Despite a mild “summer slide,” Veronica started the 2024-2025 school year in the 52nd percentile. By midyear, she had soared to the 73rd percentile, achieving well-above-average growth in every measurable skill: letter sounds, decoding, word reading, reading accuracy, and reading fluency.
Veronica’s growth isn’t just a number—it’s a testament to the power of personalized, high-impact tutoring and the lasting foundational skills and relationships it builds.
Beyond the Numbers: A Lasting Impact
The partnership between OnYourMark and Uplift Education went beyond academics. It provided students like Veronica with a sense of confidence and belonging. For Donna, it was about more than teaching—it was about inspiring.
“Seeing Veronica grow—not just in her reading skills, but in her confidence—has been incredibly rewarding,” Donna shared. “She went from being hesitant to read aloud to volunteering to read in front of her class. That’s the kind of growth that stays with a child for life.”
Conclusion: A Proven Path Forward
OnYourMark’s high-impact tutoring program has transformed literacy outcomes for students at Uplift Luna Primary School. By combining personalized instruction, certified tutors, and a commitment to the Science of Reading, OnYourMark is helping students like Veronica achieve lasting success.
The results speak for themselves: measurable growth, increased confidence, and a foundation for lifelong learning.
Ready to see your students thrive? Meet with OnYourMark today to learn how our high-impact virtual tutoring program can make a difference in your school.
Uplift Education has a network of 20 schools in the Dallas-Forth Worth area.
*Student’s name changed for privacy.
**National Percentile Growth (NPG)
