News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2009

SCHOOL DISTRICTS EAGER TO PARTICIPATE IN REL SOUTHWEST READING RESEARCH FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS

San Antonio - School districts across the nation are recognizing the value of scientifically based education research in determining effective interventions to improve student achievement. In an effort to be a catalyst to making positive change, a number of school districts are participating in a rigorous research study, sponsored by REL Southwest at Edvance Research, one of ten national research laboratories under the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.

The research study, Assessing the Impact of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) on Reading Comprehension: Implications for English Language Learners (ELL) and Fluent English Speakers, includes participation of diverse school districts in the REL Southwest region including Corpus Christi (Texas),Galena Park ISD (Texas), Fort Bend ISD (Texas), Oklahoma City Public Schools (Oklahoma) and one large district (Texas). The study commenced in August 2007 and will run for approximately 36 months, with school participation estimated for completion this month. A comprehensive Final Report will be developed, with an estimated publication date in late 2010. For more information on the study, visit www.edvanceresearch.com/CSRPA.htm.

CSR is a teaching strategy that incorporates both cooperative learning techniques and reading comprehension strategies. Some of the strategies include click and clunk, previewing the text, fix-up, and wrap up. The study focuses on 5th grade students during social studies instruction in districts with high ELL populations, and it evaluates classrooms using CSR compared with those not using the intervention.

What is the benefit to schools participating in the study?

"It is no longer acceptable to choose programs and practices without thorough research", states Donald Barfield, Associate Lab Director at REL Southwest. "Schools are increasingly looking to improve outcomes through the use of evidence-based strategies".

Through participation in this research study, schools will receive FREE of charge:

• Professional development for teachers on how to utilize CSR, which will provide an opportunity to increase student achievement in reading
• Follow-up coaching sessions for teachers
• Research evidence based on student performance
• Opportunity to work with leading researchers in a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), the gold-standard in research methodology

District research partners provided insights on their participation:

"By participating in this research, we are advancing our knowledge about how students can be more strategic readers and writers in the content areas", say Dr. Mary Jackson, Director of Special Programs at Fort Bend ISD. "We very much look forward to hearing about the results. This will inform our continuous improvement efforts in meeting the learning needs of our very diverse student population".

"As principal of a large elementary school … I am always looking for ways to help improve student achievement" says Rafael Silva of Corpus Christi ISD (CCISD). "Our partnership with the Regional Educational Laboratory—Southwest will assist and provide staff development for the teachers in learning how to help students with diverse learning styles".

To learn more about REL Southwest and how research can assist you visit http://edlabs.ed.gov/RELSouthwest or Contact us at RELinfo@edvanceresearch.com.