Program Description
IMSE’s Morphology+ is a structured literacy professional development and curriculum program designed for grades 3–5. The program provides 30 hours of educator training and 148 sequenced lessons focused on explicit instruction in prefixes, suffixes, Greek and Latin roots, vocabulary development, and comprehension. Morphology+ is designed to build on foundational phonics instruction and supports students in analyzing complex academic vocabulary through systematic word study and cumulative review.
Program Outcomes
The effects of IMSE’s Morphology+ were examined in a quasi-experimental study conducted during the 2024–2025 school year in a Title I Michigan district. The analytic sample included 206 third-grade students across four schools, including 51 students whose teachers completed Morphology+ training and 155 comparison students. The majority of students were economically disadvantaged and students of color. All students had previously received IMSE’s Orton-Gillingham Plus (OG+) instruction in second grade.
Students whose teachers implemented Morphology+ scored significantly higher than comparison students on the NWEA MAP Growth Reading assessment (effect size = +0.05). Positive effects were also observed in the informational text (effect size = +0.17) and vocabulary (effect size = +0.18) subdomains. Results qualify IMSE’s Morphology+ for a Promising evidence rating.
Staffing Requirements
IMSE’s Morphology+ program can be implemented by general education, special education, and intervention teachers. For effective implementation, teachers should adhere to the instructional routines and lesson components. All teachers, including classroom assistants, who work with students during their literacy block should be trained in IMSE’s Morphology+ program and adhere to the effective implementation recommendations above.
Professional Development/Training
IMSE offers professional development in various formats, including in-person and virtual training, asynchronous courses, individual coaching sessions, and district-level consulting opportunities. Teachers can participate in an optional training session and receive all the necessary materials for immediate implementation of the Morphology+ curriculum. If desired, educators can complete the Morphology+ Practicum to achieve CERI certification.
Technology
No specific technology is required to implement IMSE’s Morphology+ program. If desired, IMSE LAB is an optional online portal for planning and assessment, supporting educators with digital tools for lesson creation, organization, and tracking student progress.