Leading Educational Researchers to Conduct Efficacy Study of American Reading Company’s ACTION 100 RtI Model Based on Common Core Standards

American Reading Company announced today that Philadelphia-based Research for Action (RFA), an independent education research organization, will conduct a new study of American Reading Company (ARC) reading initiatives now underway in 19 schools in Camden, New Jersey. RFA will study the impact of implementation of Action 100 and 100 Book Challenge. These Response to Intervention (RtI) models are based on Common Core Standards, which provide the architecture for the leveling system, all instructional materials, the electronic data platform, and in-classroom teacher and principal learning.

RFA is widely recognized for its expertise in conducting rigorous mixed-method research studies on education policies and practices designed to improve student outcomes and strengthen schools and communities. According to Kate Shaw, RFA’s Executive Director, “RFA has developed a particular expertise in examining the use of literacy interventions to improve student outcomes. We are pleased to partner with American Reading Company to evaluate its ACTION 100 and 100 Book Challenge literacy interventions in Camden.”

The efficacy study by RFA will evaluate the initiatives’ progress in 19 elementary schools and document its effect on raising students’ literacy levels. RFA will also provide case studies of two elementary schools that have implemented the rigorous, 12-Step ACTION 100 as an integral component of Transformation Models made possible by School Improvement Grants totaling $5.4 million. The case studies will aim to provide a portrait of successful schools, identify important conditions of their success, and provide a road map and a set of lessons that can be used to create and sustain other successful ACTION 100 schools.

“We are delighted to be working with Research for Action to further evaluate the literacy gains in Camden,” said Jane Hileman, Founder & CEO of American Reading Company. “Through these efforts we aim to improve our programs, promote educational reform, and improve outcomes for more students across the country, particularly those disadvantaged by poverty.”