In 1996, Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell revolutionized classroom teaching with their systematic approach to small-group reading instruction as described in their groundbreaking text, Guided Reading. The all-new Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention has been developed in response to the demands of teachers and administrators for a powerful, scientifically-based early intervention program that can prevent literacy difficulties before they turn into long-term challenges. For an overview of the progression of behaviors and understandings in LLI from Levels A-N, see The Continuum of Behaviors to Notice, Teach, and Support.

LLI is based on the Fountas & Pinnell text gradient, A–Z. We recommend using The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System to determine the instructional level of your students. Both systems are based on the Fountas & Pinnell text gradient, A–Z, which is correlated to grade level.

The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System provides critical information on a child’s reading strengths and needs in the areas of processing strategies, comprehension, and fluency. Most importantly, the Benchmark Assessment System provides direct links to instruction.

To learn more about The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System visit: www.fountasandpinnellbenchmarkassessment.com.

The Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention System (LLI) is a small-group, supplementary intervention program designed for young children who struggle with reading and writing.

Lessons across the three systems progress from beginning reading in Kindergarten or Grade 1 (Level A) to beginning reading for Grade 3 (Level N).

• LLI is designed to be used with small groups of young children who need intensive support to achieve grade-level competency.
• Participants include low-achieving children who are not receiving another supplementary intervention.
• English language learners can also benefit from LLI. Each LLI lesson provides specific suggestions for supporting English language learners.