A federal study suggests that because reading comprehension performance is low among US 9th graders, extra literacy classes and programs are useful.

According to reports presented by the Enhanced Reading Opportunities Study, its programs help students develop and excel their reading skills.

The report describes the effects of the programs on the first cohort of students entering high school two to five years behind grade level in reading. Taken together, the programs produced a statistically significant impact on reading comprehension among students who were randomly assigned to participate in the supplemental literacy programs compared to those who did not participate in the programs.

It is also reported that research already conducted shows that these programs have really helped to improve reading performance in schools.

Education Week quotes Cynthia Greenleaf, the worker of the Reading Apprenticeship Academic Literacy program with WestEd, commenting on the results of the programs.

“We think the study is well designed, and we’re confident that broader measures and a longer look at what’s happening in these classrooms are going to show more progress.”

Photo: © johnkoetsier