The Impact of a New Reading Series PDF Download

Author: Gerard A. Egan
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Literacy programs
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
The purpose of this study was to collect teachers' perceptions on the adoption and implementation of a new reading program as well as to analyze one cohort of students' fourth and sixth grade PSSA reading scores. The data were gathered using an on-line survey, interviews, and student PSSA scores. Seventy-one teachers from six public elementary schools completed an on-line survey. Participants were asked for their level of agreement with topics related to the adoption and implementation of a new reading program. Fifteen participants participated in 30-minute interviews that provided greater understanding of their perceptions. Participants were designated either novice or experienced based on their years of experience. Fourth and sixth grade PSSA scores from one cohort of students were compared to examine the impact of a new reading program. Teachers' perceptions of the program's effectiveness were compared to the students' actual scores. This data provided insights into the success of a program's first two years of implementation. Data were organized into tables and narrative form. Results of this study indicated that the school district effectively communicated the need for a new program because almost all of the participants in this study agreed that the former reading curriculum lacked consistency and recognized a need for action. However, teachers acknowledged that they were not part of the discussions that determined if a new reading program was needed in the first place; rather, they help select which program was going to be used. The preponderance of teachers, both novice and experienced, believed the reading program is developmentally appropriate for average and below average students. The program's ability to meet the unique needs of all students had the highest level of disagreement. The overwhelming majority of the participants believed that the reading program helped students become more proficient readers. The analysis of the PSSA scores indicated very little difference in proficiency categories between this cohort's fourth and sixth grade scores. After two years of instruction with the new reading program, the proficiency categories did not significantly change.