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CASE STUDY

How Audiobooks Improve IEP Outcomes

For the 7.3 million students receiving special education services, access matters. 

That’s why Township High School District 214 uses Sora's digital reading platform to give every learner the tools they need to succeed. At Prospect High School, audiobooks are a game‑changer for students with IEPs, improving comprehension and encouraging stronger participation.

 

Why audiobooks work for IEP support

Audiobooks give students flexible ways to read that match their pace and individual needs.

In Township High School District 214, teachers use audiobooks to support students with learning disabilities, visual impairments, physical disabilities, and more. By improving fluency, comprehension, and classroom participation, audiobooks help deliver a wide range of IEP accommodations in one accessible format.

Sora helped:

  • Foster independent reading
  • Boost engagement and reduce frustration-related behaviors
  • Provide discreet access to accommodations during class

A snapshot of the district

From struggling readers to advanced students, District 214 uses audiobooks to make grade‑level content accessible for all.

2012

partnered with Sora

12,000+

students district wide

7

campuses supported

Marked improvement in comprehension & decoding

A major benefit of audiobooks is support for students who struggle with comprehension. Audiobooks allow students to listen and rewind, thus keeping pace with the story in their own time. Hearing words pronounced correctly in an audiobook helps student reading fluency. Teachers using audiobooks as comprehension and decoding support have noticed a marked improvement with students that used audiobooks in the classroom.
Christie Sylvester
Head Librarian, Prospect High School

More than meets the ear

Explore District 214’s audiobook approach, classroom examples, student impact, and guidance for school leaders.

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