Date

Winter 4-23-2024

ESRP 9000 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Reading Program Framework: A Strategic Research Project. Krista Sager, 2024: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: proficiency, explicit instruction, systematic instruction, response to intervention, multi-tiered system of support

This strategic research project was designed to provide a framework to support kindergarten through third-grade students below proficiency in reading. The organization studied is a K-8 Magnet School with a population of 425 students in a small city in interior Alaska. After a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted examining the internal and external factors of the school, it was determined the school’s threat, and most crucial problem, is the significant number of students, kindergarten through third grades, who are below proficiency in reading. Four possible solutions were researched to ameliorate this issue: (a) response to intervention, (b) a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), (c) evidenced-based instructional delivery, and (d) professional development. Ultimately, the solution of a multi-tiered support system within the school was selected. The outcomes of a quantitative strategic plan matrix (QSPM) analysis of the SWOT data were utilized to compare various implementation strategies. The two evidence-based strategies to improve reading proficiency were explicit and systematic instruction and word study. An action plan was developed using an MTSS that outlined elements required for implementing a school-wide reading system to support identification, resources, activities, families, and intervention. The action plan can be a framework for all staff to inform how the program and system achieve its objectives.

Further research is recommended to find ways to improve reading development by using parents as partners. Future research will include a parent climate survey to gather data, ensuring families feel supported and empowered to help their children. Data will inform the leadership team to align the mission and vision statements alongside stakeholders' priorities. The leadership team supports continuing efforts to improve school-home literacy teamwork. There will be a concerted effort by the school district, school leadership team, and administration to enable the people who support the reading systems and intervention programs through professional development and professional learning community opportunities.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Reading

Language

English

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