New Report Shows an Increase in Student Reading Levels & Engagement

Susanne Nobles, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Teaching & Learning

At ReadWorks, our goal is to help all children become confident, joyful, and successful readers. With our research partners, we continue to develop new ways to support ALL children in achieving these goals, always based on the science of learning to read. We also continually test the impact of our materials to ensure they deliver on our goal of helping children become stronger readers.
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We are excited to share a new report written by our research partner, Digital Promise. Digital Promise’s study found that increased test performance, as measured by Lexile level on the national STAR reading test, was correlated with students completing more ReadWorks assignments. Specifically, STAR reading levels showed: 

• Greater growth in students’ reading level was associated with completing more ReadWorks assignments, particularly more challenging assignments; and
• ​Greater growth in students’ reading level was also associated with higher accuracy on ReadWorks multiple choice questions.
  
  

This study also looked at digital features we developed in partnership Digital Promise’s Learner Variability Project. Working with the researchers at Digital Promise, we developed the following supports for varied learners within our online platform:​

• Split-screen option to support students’ working memory and attention;
• Audio for texts and questions to support English Language Learners and students with different reading needs; and
• ​Visual reading aids to support attention, focus, engagement, and comprehension.
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These new digital features were associated with increased student completion of readings and more attempts of multiple choice comprehension questions. This practice is critical for students to be ready for standardized tests.
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To read Digital Promise’s full report, click here. Begin using these student supports in ReadWorks by creating a digital class.