Reading / Beginning

What beginning reading programs* have been proven to help students in grades K-1 to succeed? To find out, this review summarizes evidence on four types of programs designed to improve beginning reading achievement:

• Reading Curricula (Curr), such as Open Court Reading, Reading Street, and other standard and alternative textbooks.
• Instructional Technology (IT), such as Waterford, Lexia Learning Systems, and Writing to Read.
• Instructional Process Programs (IP), such as cooperative learning and phonological awareness training.
• Combined Curriculum and Instructional Process Programs (Curr & IP), such as Success for All and Direct Instruction.
  

Full Report
Slavin, R.E., Lake, C., Chambers, B., Cheung, A., & Davis, S. (2009, June). Effective beginning reading programs. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University, Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education.

* Note: This review focuses on initial (non-remedial) reading programs. A review of research on programs for struggling readers is also available on the BEE..