The Role of Intermediary Organizations in Building the Capacity for Improving Reading Outcomes

• In Event: 54.080 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 54.080-4 - Leading Educational Innovation Across Sectors

Abstract

The K-3 Reading Improvement Sector of New York City is a collection of programs offered by “intermediary” organizations working with schools to improve reading outcomes. Our study identified 112 programs in this Sector and further studied a representative sample of 32 programs. A significant majority of programs had directly focused reading goals while a few focused on broader literacy-based reforms. They tended to hire personnel with some qualifications in literacy or provide training, and use some form of assessment. These programs work in 19% of the public elementary schools in NYC. Results suggest that this diverse Sector has the potential to build capacity for reading improvement in K-3, but one challenge is connecting programs to schools with the greatest need.

Authors

• Meesuk Ahn, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Thomas C. Hatch, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Daniel E. Ferguson, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Alyson Rumberger, Teachers College, Columbia University