Succeeding with High-Risk K-3 Populations Using Arts-Based Reading Instruction: A Longitudinal Study

Numerous studies have identified isolated elements for successfully teaching early reading. However, very few studies have examined the effect of early reading programs that use a combination of multiple research-based practices. A 4-year longitudinal study starting with 243 students was conducted to determine the effects of the Reading in Motion reading program on standardized measures of students' reading skills. The program provided students from kindergarten through Grade 3 arts-based instruction in reading that teaches phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, and oral reading fluency using small groups and peer-assisted instruction with frequent, corrective feedback. Although the two groups were nearly identical upon entering kindergarten, the at-risk treatment students (N = 57) significantly outperformed control students (N = 48) at the end of kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2.