THE EFFECT OF PARTICIPATION IN READ 180 ON SIXTH GRADE STUDENTS’ READING ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract

This non-experimental study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the READ 180 reading program’s impact on sixth grade reading achievement, as measured by the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). Sixth grade students in the Platte County R-3 school district during the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 academic school years were the population for this study. Over the four academic school years, teachers recommended 155 sixth grade students for READ 180, though only 148 of these enrolled in the course.Three research questions provided a framework to better understand the impact that READ 180 had on the achievement of struggling readers. Research question one addressed the difference in the change in reading achievement between students enrolled in READ 180 and students not enrolled in READ 180. A one-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups. Research question two addressed the difference in the change in reading achievement between READ 180 students enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program and READ 180 students not eligible for the program. A one-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups. Finally, research question three addressed the change in reading achievement between READ 180 students who were in the Below Basic or Basic levels of proficiency in the fifth grade. A one-sample t test revealed significant reading growth for those students.The intent of this study was to determine the effectiveness of READ 180 in assisting at-risk students to improve on the MAP reading assessment, thus reducing the achievement gap. Data from this study can help educational leaders make informed decisions regarding the utility of READ 180. The implications of the results from this study are far reaching. READ 180 students made significant achievement gains over one year of prescribed intervention. Given the findings of this study, teachers, administrators, schools, or districts considering a reading intervention are encouraged to utilize READ 180 to increase the achievement of struggling readers.