research-backed

From regular student assessment to contracting for independent studies, Reading Partners systematically collects, analyzes, and uses data to generate knowledge, improve programs, and report on impacts.

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science of reading

The established and growing research we have about how students learn to read, including systemic phonics education.

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individualized

A facet of high-dosage tutoring in which a tutor offers one-on-one attention to their student, resulting in targeted support, and personalized literacy learning.

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high-dosage

The frequency of a learning experience. For example, Reading Partners students receive twice weekly tutoring for maximum growth.

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educational equity

Ensuring every student, no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic level, or location has access to the resources and support they need to succeed in school and in life.

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Putting evidence to work in the context of the Every Student Succeeds Act

February 16, 2017

Originally published by MDRC.

How a District Might Find a Program That Meets Local Need

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) — which replaced No Child Left Behind as the main federal K-12 education law — gives states greater latitude and responsibility for choosing strategies to improve underperforming schools. ESSA stresses accountability and evidence-based practice but recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

MDRC’s evaluations offer rigorous evidence on a range of educational programs and interventions. Here is just one example of how a school district might identify an effective way to meet the challenges it faces.

District challenge

Potential solution

The Reading Partners tutoring program recruits and trains volunteers to help students who struggle with reading.

 Effective at improving literacy

 Cost effective

How do we know it works?
MDRC’S RIGOROUS RANDOM ASSIGNMENT
EVALUATION OF READING PARTNERS
Reading Partners had a positive and statistically significant impact on student reading proficiency — reading comprehension, reading fluency, and sight-word reading. After one year, the effect was equivalent to 1.5 to 2 months of additional growth in literacy beyond the level of the control group.
This study is an example of Tier 1 (strong) evidence according to ESSA guidelines.

Keep in mind, ESSA specifically provides for school improvement: The legislation calls for states to reserve at least 7 percent of Title I funds to support efforts by schools with low performance or persistent achievement gaps to improve on those measures using approaches that meet ESSA’s evidence guidelines. States also may reserve up to 3 percent for direct student services.

More about the use of Title I funds under ESSA: See pp. 3-4, Sections 1003 and 1003A
Are you targeting low-performing subgroups?

Educational equity for historically underserved students is a critical goal of ESSA. The act lays out accountability expectations for economically disadvantaged students, students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, children with disabilities, and English language learners, and set-aside funds may be used for targeted support and improvement for schools with low-performing student subgroups.

FAQs about accountability under ESSA

More about monitoring the performance of student subgroups
(see pp. 3-4, “Academic Assessments” and “Statewide Accountability System”)

  

 
KEY POINTS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS

MEASURABLE IMPACTS  The Reading Partners program produces measurable progress on reading skills among students who struggle with reading.

LOW COST  Because the program is staffed primarily by volunteers, the cost to schools is quite reasonable compared with other early literacy interventions.

EASY INTEGRATION  The program integrates easily as an add-on in schools with different curricula and standards. There is moderate principal and teacher involvement.

RANGE OF CHARACTERISTICS  The Reading Partners program was effective for a wide variety of students — at different grade levels, with different baseline reading levels, male and female, and both native English speakers and those who are not.

Evidence is great! The program has been proven to increase student reading ability … but is it a fit for your district?

Learn if Reading Partners is the right fit for your school.

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