There Is No Efficacy Without Engagement: Using Shoelace Tournaments to Accelerate Reading Scores in Schools

As educators, we know the most effective tools for student growth are those that engage and excite learners. In the realm of literacy, the challenge is finding ways to keep students motivated while ensuring measurable progress. That’s where Shoelace comes in—the game-changing literacy tool that’s transforming reading practice into a thrilling, educational adventure.

What Makes Shoelace a Game Changer?

Shoelace is not just another EdTech tool; it’s a dynamic, game-based reading platform designed for students in grades 3 to 8. While students enjoy engaging games, the platform assesses their reading comprehension and assigns curriculum-aligned interventions tailored to their needs. This dual-purpose approach allows teachers to spend less time managing individual interventions and more time focusing on classroom instruction. Teachers love Shoelace because students beg to play, and administrators are equally enthusiastic—especially since the tool has demonstrated accelerated reading level improvements in as little as 8 weeks.

Perfect for Tiered Instruction

For schools implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Shoelace is a perfect fit for Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction. During “What I Need (WIN)” time, Shoelace automatically identifies students’ struggles and provides targeted interventions. Teachers no longer need to juggle individual support plans, as Shoelace seamlessly integrates this process into its gameplay.

Introducing Shoelace Tournaments: Literacy Meets Healthy Competition

To take engagement and learning outcomes to the next level, Shoelace has partnered with forward-thinking school leaders to launch Shoelace Tournaments. These tournaments are designed to drive excitement, foster competition, and deliver rapid literacy growth.

Why Shoelace Tournaments Work

Shoelace Tournaments are structured to ensure maximum engagement and results. Each tournament runs for 8 weeks and requires just 30 minutes of student play per week—a manageable yet impactful commitment. Here’s what participating schools and districts receive:

???? Technical onboarding for seamless implementation.

???? 8-week teacher training to maximize classroom impact.

?? Student subscriptions for every participant.

?? Curriculum-aligned assignments and interventions to reinforce classroom learning.

?? Prizes for top classrooms to inspire healthy competition.

?? White-glove support to address any questions or challenges.

?? Admin reports to track license activation and evaluate learning outcomes. And the results speak for themselves: schools using Shoelace tournaments boast a 90% license activation rate, far exceeding the industry average of 65%.

Why Engagement Is the Key to Efficacy

Our motto—“The game-changer for literacy”—isn’t just a catchy phrase. It reflects the platform’s ability to turn passive reading practice into an active, enjoyable, and measurable experience. Without engagement, even the most robust educational tools can fall flat. But with Shoelace, students are invested, teachers are empowered, and administrators see the results they need.

Join the Tournament Revolution

Are you ready to transform your school’s approach to literacy? Shoelace tournaments are the perfect way to inspire students, equip teachers, and accelerate reading outcomes—all while fostering a sense of fun and community.

This school year, let Shoelace be the catalyst for change in your district. Together, we can turn reading practice into a powerful game of growth and achievement. Click here to learn more and sign up for a Shoelace Tournament today.