Date of Award
Summer 2023
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Elizabeth Currin
Abstract
This action research study examined the impact of a summer literacy program on summer reading setback. Gaining Ground is a summer intervention program designed primarily for economically disadvantaged students in Grades K–5. By granting access to self-selected books and implementing project-based curriculum, Gaining Ground aims to improve reading proficiency during the summer break. Faucet theory illuminated the challenge of reaching and maintaining proficiency over break, and constructivism and self-determination theory framed the program’s efforts to resolve this problem.
As the curriculum director, I used mixed methods to assess Gaining Ground’s impact. Quantitative methods revealed maintenance, improvement, or decline in student participants’ reading proficiency as evident in their spring and fall test scores. Qualitative methods yielded additional insight through interviews with area teachers who facilitate Gaining Ground summer programming.
Overall findings indicate Gaining Ground positively influences the reading proficiency of low-SES students, consistent with the organizational mission to narrow the educational opportunity gap. The teachers’ perspectives contextualized the quantitative results by revealing several themes: increased student autonomy; accessible opportunities; enhanced literacy skills; affirmation of family, culture, and community; and overall teacher satisfaction with the program. These insights can lead to additional program improvement.
Rights
© 2023, Tiffany Gayle Robles
Recommended Citation
Robles, T. G.(2023). The Impact of a Literacy Program on Summer Reading Setback: Providing Access to Books and Project-Based Learning. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/7412