Reading/writing software impact study

Campuzano et. al. investigated whether software for reading and math had any effect of achievement, as measured by standardized tests. The reading software was used in grades 1 and 4, and the math software was used in grade 6 (pre-algebra) and for algebra (mostly grade 9). The study lasted one year, and was replicated the second year.  The first year, 16 softward products were tested in 33 districts, 132 schools, and with 428 teachers in either classes that used the softeware or comparison classes that did not.. The second year included 10 products, 23 districts, 77 schools, 176 teachers, and 3,280 students. A variety of well-known standardized tests were used. For reading, the SAT-9 was used in grade 1 and the SAT-10 in grade 4 for reading and grade 6 for math.  The study used the Educational Testing Services’  End-of-Course Algebra Assessment for grade 9 (algebra I). Other tests were also used to confirm that the groups had similar levels of competence in reading and math beore the treatment began.There was no significant difference between test scores of students who used the software and those who did not at the end of the first year. 

Campuzano, L., Dynarski, M., Agodini, R., and Rall, K. (2009). Effectiveness of Reading and Mathematics Software Products: Findings From Two Student Cohorts—Executive Summary (NCEE 2009-4042). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.

Thanks to Stephen Krashen for this summary.