Program Description
As evaluated in its only qualifying study (see below), Spell Read is a program for struggling readers that emphasizes systematic and explicit fluency-oriented instruction in phonics. Students engage in shared reading and discussion of leveled books, as well as writing and spelling activities. Note that teachers in the study received 70 hours of professional development.
Program Outcomes
The one qualifying evaluation of Spell Read took place in urban and suburban areas surrounding Pittsburgh, PA. Significant positive effects were found on Word Attack (effect size = +0.39), and these outcomes qualified Spell Read for the ESSA “Strong” category. However, there were no differences on other measures, including state tests, so the overall effect size was only +0.09.