Results - Longitudinal

Secondary students in an Idaho, USA School District showed significant improvements in reading achievement after Fast ForWord participation. On average, students who used the programs in 2003 improved from the 13th to 22nd percentile. The group of students continued to acquire reading skills at a high rate and by 2005, was at the 39th percentile. 

Improved Reading Achievement

Methodology

Student reading ability was assessed with the Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) before and after Fast ForWord participation. 

Measures

The ISAT is a computerised, standards-based state assessment that contains multiple choice questions and is appropriate for grades 2 through 10. The test has reading, language arts, and maths sections and is offered in two terms of each academic year. 

Implementation

The faculty in the Idaho, USA School District were interested in evaluating the effectiveness of using Fast ForWord programs for improving their curriculum and instruction for students. 

The implementation process began with educators receiving preliminary training in a number of areas, including:

• methods for assessing candidates for participation;
• selection of appropriate standardised language measures for testing and evaluation;
• effective implementation techniques;
• proper administration of the products and effective methods for monitoring student progress.

Source

Scientific Learning Corporation. (2005). Improved Reading Achievement by Students in Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 who used Fast ForWord Products, Longitudinal Results, MAPS for Learning: Educator Reports, 9(38): 1-6. 

Data provided by the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25, Pocatello, ID; school personnel were responsible for administering all tests and collecting all scores. 
Read the entire research study.