Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this action research was to evaluate the effectiveness of two literacy interventions, Lexia Core 5 and Word Connections, on improving reading, both fluency and foundational skills, among fourth-grade students. All Tier 2 fourth-grade students participated in one of the interventions over an 8-week period, with progress measured through both pre- and post-test scores and qualitative data on student reading perceptions. The findings revealed significant growth in reading fluency and foundational reading skills (phonics) among students in the Word Connections group, while results in the Lexia Core 5 group were less pronounced. Survey responses indicated varied student preferences, without a clear preference for one intervention over the other. These results suggest the potential benefits of targeted and tailored, skill-based interventions in literacy instruction for elementary students facilitated by skilled teachers. Insights from this study will inform classroom practices and may influence broader educational decisions regarding literacy support for struggling readers in upper elementary classrooms.