Assisting low performance readers with a group-based reading fluency intervention.

Research indicates that reading fluency is a key to developing reading competence. The authors of this study designed a small group instructional program of combined, previously researched and validated intervention methods including phrase drill, repeated reading, and passage previewing. The program's focus was on increasing reading fluency and subsequently reading comprehension. Participants in the program consisted of 12 third grade students from an urban setting in the Northeast part of the United States. All 12, according to screening results, were reading no more than 2 years below assigned grade level. The effects of the program were measured using a multiple-baseline design. The authors report that the small group based combined method program was effective in increasing both fluency and reading comprehension of both practiced and non-practiced material. The authors suggest that a benefit of the combined methods to schools and classrooms includes the ability to address several students at once through group-based procedures. Also, the program is time effective and easy to implement. The authors recommend, however, additional research to evaluate the program's effectiveness with a wider range of students. They also recommend additional research to compare to a control group since there is no data to show whether students not participating in the intervention might make similar gains.

Begeny, J., & Martens, B. (2006). Assisting low-performing readers with a group-based reading fluency intervention. School Psychology Review, 35, 91-106.