Differentiated reading approach significantly improves fourth grade students’ reading comprehension

This study examined the effects of a differentiated reading approach on fourth grade students’ reading comprehension and attitudes toward reading. Eight Title I schools within one urban district were randomly assigned to treatment (Schoolwide Enrichment Model–Reading [SEM-R]) or control (district reading curriculum) conditions.

Treatment teachers implemented SEM-R as a supplement to the district curriculum for 1 academic year, whereas control teachers used the district curriculum.

Based on multilevel analyses of students’ posttest reading comprehension scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (n = 358) and attitudes toward reading as measured by the Elementary Reading Attitudes Survey (n = 429), no statistically significant differences in students’ attitudes toward reading were found, but SEM-R students had significantly higher scores on the comprehension posttest compared with the students in the control schools.