Change can be difficult, but it often leads to exciting new opportunities and growth that we didn’t even know was possible.
Learning A-Z will retire Headsprout in October 2024 to shift to a new K-5 foundational literacy reading solution, built on the Science of Reading: Foundations A-Z. But don’t worry: you’ll be able to continue using Headsprout with students who need individualized support while also trialing Foundations A-Z to make sure it’s the right fit for your classroom.
Learn the differences between the two solutions and see first-hand what Foundations A-Z has to offer.
From Reactive to Proactive

BUILT TO
Provide a self-paced, adaptive literacy solution focused on foundational and comprehension skills
BEST FOR
Students in grades K-6 who need additional reading support
SKILLS IN FOCUS
K-2: Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Print Concepts, High-Frequency Words, Foundational Comprehension, Vocabulary
3-6: Comprehension, Vocabulary
Some foundational skills for K-2, Comprehension and Vocabulary skills for Grades 3-6
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
1 Teacher License + 36 Student Licenses/classroom
- Automated Placement Test
- Fluency building materials
- Progress monitoring
- Benchmarks with auto-graded comprehension checks
- Student instructional episodes
ADAPTIVE
EMBEDDED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BUILT TO
Enhance teachers’ confidence and competency and provide research-based foundational skills instruction and practice
BEST FOR
All students in grades K-5
SKILLS IN FOCUS
K-2: Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Print Concepts, High-Frequency Words, Handwriting, Phonograms, Language Connection
3-5: Phonics, Content-area High-Frequency Words, Fluency, Word Study/Language Connection, Handwriting in Cursive
All foundational skills for all elementary grades Grades K-5
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
1 Teacher License + 36 Student Licenses/classroom
- Complete foundational skills curriculum
- Systematic, sequential, cumulative Scope & Sequence
- Explicit lessons
- Embedded professional development
- Digital student materials and interactive practice
ADAPTIVE
EMBEDDED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
It’s not a one-to-one replacement, so we want to make sure you know how they differ.
See How Foundations A-Z Supports You
The features below are just a sample of all the great resources you’ll have access to in Foundations A-Z. To see it all come together, sign up for a two-week free trial and register for a complimentary, on-demand product orientation led by our Professional Learning Services team!
It’s Research-Based
Built on the Science of Reading, Foundations A-Z is backed by decades of literacy research. With lesson plans that are systematic and explicit, you can be confident that the foundational literacy instruction provided with Foundations A-Z is exactly what your K-5 students need to learn to crack the literacy code and learn to read proficiently.
It’s Foundational
From phonics to fluency, Foundations A-Z’s scope and sequences cover all foundational reading skills for grades K through 5, broken down by unit, module, and foundational skill. Take a look:
It’s Supportive
Teachers are the foundation of student learning and the heart of the classroom – and supported teachers mean greater gains for students. That’s why Foundations A-Z includes professional development and teacher supports, including:
- Embedded videos, articles, and podcasts focused on professional learning
- PD recommendations by unit
- Explicit lesson plans
- Sample dialogue and teaching tips
- Step-by-step onboarding guides
It’s Engaging
Finding motivation and joy in learning is linked to reading achievement. Just like students had in Headsprout, characters will guide students through their lessons, provide feedback, and help them earn more stars!
The character featured in this Grade 1 Print Concepts sample is Zam, the Foundations A-Z character who’s known for being a bit of a goofball but loyal to his friends – and an aspiring chef!
See additional Foundations A-Z content that covers phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, print concepts, fluency, and word study and language connections.
It’s Here!
Interested in digging even deeper? Start a two-week free trial of Foundations A-Z to determine if it’s the right fit for your classroom.