Improving Students Reading Performance in an Urban Setting

1
Improving Students Reading Performancein an
Urban Setting

• Arnold J. Kinsella
• Roscoe D. Dowell
• Cahokia High School
• Cahokia, Illinois

2
Research Question

• What are the effects of providing focused
  assistance in reading and language arts along
  with field experiences on the reading performance
  and attitude toward school of students in an
  urban setting?

3
Background

• At risk students in an urban setting
• Reading levels between 4th and 6th grade
• Lack of interest in school
• Low performance in classes
• Behavioral problems in classes
• High absenteeism
• High drop out rate

4
Interventions

• Field Experiences
• Read 180 Program

5
Purposes of Field Experiences

• Boost student interest in school
• Increase attendance
• Lower drop out rate
• Provide background knowledge
• Develop language skills

6
Field Experiences

• Kwanza Educational Summit
• Play at Missouri Historical Society Museum
• Solutia, Inc.

7
Purposes of Read 180 Program

• Boost students reading comprehension
• Provide reading material interesting to students
• Enhance students abilities to perform well in
  other classes
• Allow students to use technology

8
Read 180 Program

• Research-based program
• Variety of reading experiences
• Topic CDs
• Audiobooks
• Paperbacks
• Individualized reading instruction
• Comprehension
• Word study
• Vocabulary
• Writing
• Leveled reading experiences in content areas

9
Design of the Study
10
Reading Comprehension Results
11
Reading Improvements by Group
12
Reading Improvements by Group
13
Reading Improvements by Group
14
Reading Improvements by Group
15
Conclusions

• Field experiences coupled with Read 180 enhance
  students reading comprehension.
• Field experiences and Read 180 individually may
  also enhance reading comprehension.