Research Study Shows Students Jump Nearly Two Grade Levels in One Year with Pearson's Reading Street

Findings Indicate Significant Improvement in Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension and Total Reading Achievement

New York, NY,: January 11, 2010 — Results of a new independent study show that students are jumping two grade levels in their vocabulary, reading comprehension and overall reading achievement with the scientifically research-based Reading Street, curriculum for pre-kindergartners through sixth-graders from the education, services and technology company Pearson. The study, conducted by Claremont Graduate University, confirms that all demographic subgroups of students, including those most at risk, significantly improved their reading achievement by at least one grade level with many catapulting ahead by two grades in one school year.

“Our research results clearly point to the fact that across grade level and demographic groups, students’ scores increased significantly from pretest to posttest with Reading Street. At the end of one year, we saw Reading Street learners in the fourth grade reading at nearly a seventh grade level,” said Claremont researcher and report author Dr. Tiffany Berry.

Results indicate that by the end of the 2008-2009 school year, second-grade students who learned with Reading Street performed close to a fourth-grade reading level, and fourth-grade students, who started the year reading at a fifth-grade level, improved two grades levels in one year. On the standardized test, Group Reading and Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE), second graders achieved average gains of 20 points in vocabulary, comprehension, and total reading scores. Fourth graders improved by an average of 22 points across the same three categories.

Another finding revealed large gains by male, minority and economically disadvantaged students. Berry said, “The results indicate that Pearson’s Reading Street is particularly advantageous for those subgroups of students most at risk of becoming struggling readers.”

Findings from the report show that the score gap between second-grade non-Caucasian students and Caucasian students learning with Reading Street was about seven and a half points smaller on the comprehension sections than the gap between non-Caucasian and Caucasian students in the comparison group. Similarly, the score gap in total reading achievement was six points smaller for the Reading Street students. These statistically significant findings suggest that Reading Street may be particularly beneficial for non-Caucasian students in second grade and that the program may help close the achievement gap among these students.

“The stunning study results confirm Pearson’s unique commitment to the development and creation of research-based materials – such as Reading Street – helps shrink the achievement gap for our struggling students. Our investments in developing research-based curricula are paying dividends for America’s students,” said Marcy Baughman, Pearson’s Director of Academic Research. Baughman added, “With millions of students across the nation learning with Reading Street, we can say with confidence that this independent, efficacy study tells us students will significantly increase their reading knowledge, particularly in the areas of vocabulary and comprehension.”

Report results also indicate that teachers were highly satisfied with the organization of the curriculum, especially in regard to how important reading skills were interwoven throughout the materials at appropriate levels for each reader. Reading Street’s instruction is designed to help teachers achieve personalized learning for each and every child. Structured around differentiated instruction with daily small group plans, which recommend that teachers meet with below-level groups twice as long as on- and above-level small groups each week, the curriculum matches all students’ learning needs.

The study sample included 26 elementary schools, 81 teachers and more than 1,500 second and fourth graders from three geographic regions, six states and 16 school districts across the nation. A final copy of the report can be found at: http://www.pearsoned.com/RESRPTS_FOR_POSTING/READING_RESEARCH_STUDIES/ReadingStreetReportRevised_Final.pdf.

For more information about Reading Street, visit: www.pearsonschool.com/ReadingStreet.

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education services, technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information about Pearson School, go to: www.pearsonschool.com.