Supporting Struggling Readers in Middle School: Impact of Lexia® PowerUp Literacy® on Racially Diverse Students

• In Event: Selecting and Reimagining Technology for Curricular and Equity Goals

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Lexia® PowerUp Literacy® program to promote literacy skills among struggling readers in middle school. PowerUp contains online activities and teacher-led lessons designed to be inclusive of students from diverse backgrounds. Using a cluster randomized trial, we tested PowerUp’s impact using 155 struggling readers in two middle schools. Percentages of Black and White students were 48% and 44%, respectively. Students in PowerUp classes scored significantly higher than control students on an end-of-year, standardized reading assessment. The lack of interaction between treatment and racial background indicates the treatment effect was comparable for Black and White students. Implications for the role of PowerUp to support literacy gains for racially diverse students are discussed.

Authors

• Paul Macaruso, Community College of Rhode Island

• Lisa B. Hurwitz, Lexia Learning Systems