Poster #23 - Evaluating a Summer Reading Intervention Program in Texas

• In Event: 28.093 - MTCC Poster Session Five
  In Poster Session: 28.093-2 - Research in Reading and Literacy

Abstract

The current research evaluates a book distribution program in Austin, Texas. Specifically aimed to combat the summer reading slide, the program gave second grade students books to read during the summer break. Relative to comparison schools, children in schools that adopted this program saw increased benefits in terms of reading scores on standardized tests. Furthermore, the impact of this intervention was most pronounced for students who were already falling behind their peers. This finding supports a more cost-effective and practical way of supporting low-income children across the summer months than expensive camps with extensive staff, time, and transportation requirements.

Authors

• Margaret Shavlik, Vanderbilt University

• Amy Booth, Vanderbilt University