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AWARD Interactive Curriculum More Than Doubles Reading Achievement for K-2 Students

Posted on: Monday, 28 September 2009, 10:06 CDT

NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- A new scientifically valid research study conducted in four New York City elementary schools with large Title I populations found the AWARD Reading program, a unique combination of interactive software and engaging print materials, significantly improves the reading abilities in early critical school years of students who had previously experienced difficulties with literacy, English Language Learners and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. The results of the study indicate students using the AWARD Reading program significantly outperformed their peers who used a New York City basal reading program in the areas of vocabulary development, rhyme recognition and generation, independent reading and listening comprehension. The program was also highly effective when used as a pull-in, push-out, supplemental literacy program, or an after-school program.

The research findings come at an opportune moment as President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan challenge states and school districts to implement innovative research-based programs that deliver positive results for students. The results of the research on AWARD's program indicate that this approach shows strong results as school districts struggle to bring all students to proficiency in reading by 4th grade.

Cathy Collins Block, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Texas Christian University, and John N. Mangieri, Ph.D., Executive Director at the Institute for Literacy Enhancement, conducted the study on the AWARD Reading program to compare its efficacy in boosting reading ability against traditional basal reading programs.

"Our findings demonstrate the comprehensive integrated approach in the AWARD program that teaches all elements of reading consistently produces positive results across the most challenging student populations," said Dr. Block.

The quasi-experimental, quantitative control versus experimental study examined 1,068 K-2 students in four New York City schools during the 2008-2009 academic school year. Students and teachers were randomly selected for the experiment, under the direction and approval of Thomas Gold, Ph.D., Director of External Research for the New York City Department of Education.

Dr. Mangieri stated further, "The AWARD program departs from the commonplace practice of linear instruction for our youngest learners and engages and motivates them with its multi-media design."

AWARD's programs are in use in many districts across the United States. For more information on AWARD Reading and the research findings, visit: www.awardinteractive.com.

ABOUT AWARD READING

Developed over a five-year period by internationally recognized literacy experts, AWARD Reading is a comprehensive, balanced literacy core curriculum program that integrates printed books and interactive technology for Kindergarten - Grade 3 students.

SOURCE AWARD Reading

Source: PR Newswire

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