Impact of My Reading Academy in Virtual Schools

This research report presents findings from the implementation of My Reading Academy (MRA) during the 2022–2023 school year at Epic Charter Schools in Oklahoma. The study focuses on the program's effectiveness in enhancing reading skills among early elementary students in a virtual learning environment. A total of 16 teachers and 212 students participated, with a comparison made between students using MRA and those who did not. The results indicate that students using MRA achieved significant growth, with pre-kindergarten students reaching kindergarten equivalency and first graders achieving second grade equivalency by the end of the school year. The report details the statistical methods used, including propensity score matching and regression analysis, to validate the findings. Educator feedback highlights the positive impact of MRA on student engagement and instructional support, with a high percentage of teachers expressing a desire to continue using the program. Overall, the study underscores the potential of MRA to facilitate reading development in virtual educational settings.