WWC review of this study

Improving Reading Comprehension and Social Studies Knowledge in Middle School

Vaughn, Sharon; Swanson, Elizabeth A.; Roberts, Greg; Wanzek, Jeanne; Stillman-Spisak, Stephanie J.; Solis, Michael; Simmons, Deborah (2013). Reading Research Quarterly, v48 n1 p77-93. Retrieved from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ996121

  • Randomized controlled trial
     examining 
    339
     Students
    , grade
    8

Reviewed: August 2013

At least one finding shows promising evidence of effectiveness
At least one statistically significant positive finding
Meets WWC standards without reservations
Comprehension outcomes—Statistically significant positive effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

ASK Reading Comprehension in Social Studies subtest

Promoting Acceleration of Comprehension and Content Through Text (PACT) vs. Business as usual

Posttest

Grade 8;
339 students

0.51

0.09

Yes

 
 
14
 

Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests Fourth Edition (GMRT- IV): Reading Comprehension subtest

Promoting Acceleration of Comprehension and Content Through Text (PACT) vs. Business as usual

Posttest

Grade 8;
322 students

0.16

-0.07

Yes

 
 
8
 
Social Studies Achievement outcomes—Statistically significant positive effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

ASK Knowledge Acquisition Subtest

Promoting Acceleration of Comprehension and Content Through Text (PACT) vs. Business as usual

Posttest

Grade 8;
339 students

2.28

1.71

Yes

 
 
12
 


Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Characteristics of study sample as reported by study author.


  • 3% English language learners

  • Female: 53%
    Male: 47%

  • Urban
  • Race
    Asian
    5%
    Black
    9%
    Other or unknown
    4%
    White
    53%
  • Ethnicity
    Hispanic    
    30%
    Not Hispanic or Latino    
    70%
 

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This download will include data files for study and findings review data and a data dictionary.

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