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<p> The purpose of this study was to determine effective reading interventions for primary grade students, utilizing the Response to Intervention (RtI) model. The purpose of RtI is to enhance the quality of education for children, if appropriate levels of academic instruction are present (Hanover Research, 2015). The research questions were posed to garner perspectives of the Intervention Team (IT) leaders as to Tier II interventions that aided students who indicated difficulty with reading, and the duration of the intervention, prior to achieving progress toward the specified goal. Additionally, research questions were stated to determine which Tier II reading intervention yielded a significant gain, as measured by a Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) in one elementary school. Perspectives were ascertained of literacy educators in regard to student success following the interventions. Intervention Team leaders from Missouri&rsquo;s 11 regional professional development centers were interviewed and asked specific questions in an effort to identify tiered reading interventions and progress measures present in their schools. Results of progress monitoring utilizing CBMs were collected from one Missouri elementary school and were analyzed utilizing a paired sample <i>t</i>-test comparing pre-test and post-test scores before and following a reading intervention. The data revealed Tier II reading interventions are effective for primary grade students. Literacy educators serving in the districts of the IT leaders were surveyed to garner insight into the positive attributes gained from receiving the tiered reading intervention. The results of the literacy educator survey attributed gains in student achievement and indicated positive outcomes for students in other subject areas</p>

<p> The purpose of this study was to examine the existing research on early literacy and the types of approaches used in schools at the time of this writing. Although researchers could not agree on which types of reading programs are the most effective, there was a large amount of research supporting the work done in 2000 from the National Reading Panel, emphasizing the importance of the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The study site historically used a traditional Balanced Literacy program, and reported proficiency scores in the 30th percentile overall. This research study investigated phonemic awareness and phonics as important components of a total literacy program, focusing on one supplementary program, Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS). SIPPS, combined with a traditional Balanced Literacy program, was implemented over a period of five years in a suburban, Midwest elementary school. Results indicated that overall reading achievement improved over the five year implementation, with the most significant growth occurring in the first grade. Growth was slow and not significant from year-to-year, but did improve in all subgroups, including Black students and the free-and-reduced-lunch subgroup. Given the importance of early literacy acquisition, future studies should investigate other supplementary programs available to identify the most effective programs for student achievement.</p>

<p> Graphic novels use visual literacy and multimodal learning two methods of teaching. Graphic novels also have a history of being motivating to students. This study aims to quantify the degree of influence graphic novels have on secondary student comprehension and motivation. Students were recruited from two classrooms taught by one twelfth-grade teacher. Students who received a graphic novel supplement performed significantly higher on comprehension as measured by grades than students who did not receive a graphic novel supplement for that material. Before and after each unit, students completed a motivational survey. There were no significant differences between pre- and post-test motivation data. Results indicate that more research on the effect of graphic novels on comprehension is needed.</p>

<p> Recent legislation such as No Child Left Behind and the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) increasingly pressure teachers and schools to be accountable for instructional time in the form of improved test scores. As a result, students are given an increasing variety of assessments in a given school year in an attempt to measure academic growth over time. These assessments frequently occur in the form of curriculum-based measures (CBM) of oral reading fluency, informal reading inventories (IRIs), computer adaptive tests (CATs) of reading, and annual high stakes assessments of reading ability. While a review of the literature reveals a well-established relationship between CBMs, IRIs, and high stakes assessments, less empirical evidence exists that illustrates the relationship between and technical adequacy of CBMs, IRIs, and CATs of reading ability. Specifically, the current study examined the concurrent and predictive validity of CBMs and IRIs on computer adaptive assessments in students in second through fifth grade. Further, given the increasing diversity of student populations, the current study sought to examine the extent to which one's status as an English Learner or student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) moderates the relationships between oral reading fluency and CATs and IRIs and CATs.</p>

<p> The purpose of this research project was to determine the effects of literature categories on student engagement. The participants of this research project were selected from a third grade elementary class. They were selected at random. The class was heterogeneous containing twenty-one students. The dependent variable in this project was the student engagement while the independent variable was the literature category. Data was collected for two weeks in each category on student engagement and observational notes were also recorded. This research project determined that the literature category of nonfiction produced a high student engagement when texts were selected based on student&rsquo;s interests. This study was and is important because educators can use this information to help with classroom lessons and to reach students through literature. </p>

<p> This study measured the impact of targeted reading interventions on improving reading fluency for second-grade students as indicated by their performance on a statewide standardized assessment of reading fluency proficiency. Reading fluency scores for students who received intervention in second grade were measured again in their third-grade year to see if the intervention had a lasting impact on their overall reading fluency ability. Statistical analysis using a paired samples t-test revealed that reading fluency ability increases with the use of targeted intervention among second-grade students. A statistically significant relationship was discovered through the use of a paired samples t-test for students who receive targeted intervention in second grade and their third-grade IRI scores. This verifies that targeted reading fluency interventions are successful among students from high-poverty backgrounds. Individual and focus-group interviews were completed with teachers, para-professionals, and instructional coaches who provided reading fluency interventions to students. Themes emerged indicating a need for targeted intervention, meaningful practice, and instructional strategies in order for students to become fluent readers. Further analysis determined that schools that utilize classroom teachers rather than para-professionals to provide reading fluency intervention to struggling, high-poverty students achieved the most overall growth on the IRI. Another contributing factor to overall growth on the IRI was the amount of time students received intervention. Students that received at least forty-five minutes a day of additional intervention exhibited higher levels of growth. Lastly, several different reading curricula were used in the present study, revealing that instructional strategies and targeted intervention leads to greater acquisition of reading fluency skills regardless of the prescribed curriculum.</p>

<p> This study examined a possible relationship between grit, growth mindset, and reading scores. The study also examined the influence of grit and growth mindset on closing the achievement gap. Reading was an essential skill all students needed to achieve in order to be successful in school and life. Historically, schools implemented numerous academic interventions to ensure all students were proficient readers and to close achievement gaps in reading, yet the gaps continued to exist. The literature on non-cognitive skills such as grit and growth mindset indicated teaching students these skills would increase academic achievement.</p><p> The study collected teacher frequency of instruction of the concepts of grit and growth mindset along with anecdotal teacher information regarding instruction of the concepts. The information was utilized to determine if a relationship existed between teacher instruction on grit and growth mindset and student grit and growth mindset scores. The results of the study indicated no relationship existed between teacher instruction on grit and growth mindset and student grit and growth mindset scores. However, the study did provide useful information regarding how teachers taught the concepts which possibly explained why no relationship existed and provided insight for improvements in the area of instruction.</p><p> The results of the study also revealed no relationship existed between student grit and growth mindset scores and reading scores. The scope of the study was limited; the researcher recommended additional studies be pursued to investigate the relationship between grit, growth mindset, and reading scores further.</p>

<p> This mixed-methods study included an in-depth look at the perceptions of first-grade teachers in southwest Missouri to gain insight into the knowledge, understanding, and perceptions of teachers when considering reading achievement and how it relates to Reading Recovery, student engagement, professional development, and socioeconomic status. A second piece to the study included a quantitative examination of the correlation between reading achievement and attendance. Focus groups were formed and an 11-question interview was conducted to gather insight into the perceptions of first-grade teachers across five different counties. Additionally, reading data and attendance from 249 students in those schools were used to determine if a correlation exists between reading achievement and student attendance. After completion of all focus groups, it was evident many commonalities exist among first-grade teachers across multiple districts. Most teachers find value in Reading Recovery, understand the importance of student engagement, see the disadvantages of those students who arrive from lower socioeconomic status families, and value professional development. Reading and attendance data revealed students with attendance greater than 94% have improved reading achievement over those with attendance below 94%. The results of this study can provide insight for administrators and district leaders when considering appropriate professional development in the area of reading achievement.</p>