Sterling Heights, Michigan

Author:
Christie Lehmann

Date evaluation report completed:
June 15, 2000

Months/years covered by evaluation:
School year 1999-2000

Number of schools involved:
5 schools
27 students

Demographics of sample population:
Sterling Heights is a suburban district in Michigan with an enrollment of 26,081. There were 5 schools involved in this study, using the in-class model. These schools enroll predominantly Caucasian students.

Purpose of study:
To measure the progress of the students in the Soar to Success groups.

Methodology:
The 4th–and 5th–grade students selected for the intervention program were reading at least 1-2 years below grade level. Some were reading three years below level. Students received instruction during the 1999-00 school year. The instruction was delivered by the classroom teachers. An informal reading inventory was used as a pre- and posttest.

Measures/indicators used to assess effectiveness:
Soar to Success Informal Reading Inventory

Findings: The average gain in reading for these students was 1.9 levels after one semester of instruction.