my readinglab as a literacy strategy

8/12/2019 My ReadingLab as a Literacy Strategy

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City Academy Mini ‐Case Series

MyReadingLab as a Literacy Strategy Robynne Curlee and Mem Lloyd

What is ACCUPLACER?

ACCUPLACER is a standardized diagnostic assessment used by postsecondary institutions to determine course placement for incoming students. A significant percentage of City Academy students are required to take this test upon matriculation.

Spring 2014

Summary: Literacy is the foundational building block for constructing knowledge. Many

students arrive at City Academy reading below grade level, and effective strategies to

improve students’ reading skills are continuously sought after by staff. The online resource

MyReadingLab through Pearson’s MyFoundationsLab is provided to all City Academy

students as a means for improving reading skills and improving ACCUPLACER scores. This

research project explored the efficacy of MyReadingLab as a literacy skill builder.

Description: The research team began by identifying the baseline level of student MyReadingLab use through a school ‐wide survey. Students

who indicated interest in participating in a campus visit and regular

MyReadingLab practice were identified by the research team and invited

to be a part of the research group. The group met twice weekly for six

weeks to eat lunch together, discuss reading, and log on to

MyReadingLab and engage in 10‐15 minutes of reading practice.

Members of the group also attended a campus visit of a local two ‐year

college (LTYC), including active participation in a remedial reading class.

Student Assessment: Students responded to an optional survey identifying baseline

participation in MyReadingLab. Of the 17 respondents, two reported never using

MyReadingLab; 13 reported using MyReadingLab for less than 30 minutes per week; and two

reported using MyReadingLab for 30 – 60 minutes per week. Students were also asked

whether they found MyReadingLab to be useful in developing their reading skills. The

majority of respondents left that question blank, with two students responding that

MyReadingLab does help them improve their reading.



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City Academy Mini ‐Case Series

MyReadingLab as a Literacy Strategy Robynne Curlee and Mem Lloyd

Conclusion and Action Plan: Based on the research conducted through MyReadingLab, it seems that while a computer ‐based program is a helpful support to literacy building

strategies, it should not be the centerpiece of a literacy program. Students demonstrated a

higher level of engagement with reading when presented with opportunities to interact

with texts that were accessible yet challenging, that they could explore with fellow

students. Based on the experience of the MyReadingLab research group, observations of

student experiences, and a survey of literacy research, it appears that City Academy

students would benefit from a literature ‐circle style approach to literacy. Providing a

consistent school ‐wide structure within which students could interact with text and each

other holds great promise for engaging students in meaningful reading experiences and improving literacy skills.

my readinglab as a literacy strategy

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