SCHOLASTIC LITERACY
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Mixed Methods Evaluation of Scholastic Literacy in a South Carolina Public School District
The impact of Scholastic Literacy on elementary reading achievement was the main quantitative focus of this mixed-methods study. The qualitative study portion broadly focused on the implementation of, and instructional practices used with Scholastic Literacy in select public schools in South Carolina, as well as teacher and student attitudes towards Scholastic Literacy, perceived impact on student engagement and achievement, and program support and professional development. Quantitative achievement data included NWEA MAP reading scores and demographic data from the school district, as well as reading achievement scores from a virtual control group (VCG), as provided by a NWEA Similar Schools Report (SSR). Qualitative methods and measures included both an online survey completed by teachers and in-person focus groups with 3 rd , 4 th , and 5 th grade teachers conducted at three different schools in South Carolina. Results of quantitative comparisons of reading achievement between students who used Scholastic Literacy and VCG students are presented in this report, as well as qualitative analysis relating to Implementation, Impact, and Program Attitudes. Additionally, recommendations for improving the implementation of Scholastic Literacy are included at the end of this report. This study was designed to address the following research questions: 1. To what degree did teachers feel prepared to implement Scholastic Literacy ( + F.I.R.S.T and W.O.R.D) with fidelity? 2. Do students receiving Scholastic Literacy (+ F.I.R.S.T. and W.O.R.D.) demonstrate statistically greater growth in reading skills when compared to a group that does not use the program? 3. Do changes in reading skills vary by student demographic characteristics such as gender, race/ethnicity, initial ability, free or reduced-price meals status, English learner status, or participation in special education? 4. What are the profiles of students’ usage of Scholastic Literacy (+ F.I.R.S.T and W.O.R.D) that are associated with changes in reading skills? 5. How does Scholastic Literacy impact student interest in reading? Scholastic Literacy Scholastic Literacy is a core literacy program that provides culturally relevant texts and targeted instruction in reading, writing, language, and word-study to support social-emotional development and help students become lifelong independent thinkers, readers, and writers. The program, designed for students in Grades K–6, is structured around six thematic units that clearly articulate a sequence of strategies and skills. There are three components:
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