Longitudinal Study on Literacy Improvement

This document is a longitudinal study report conducted by Dietz Consulting, which evaluates the effectiveness of the Beyond Basics literacy program from 2008 to 2022. The study tracked the progress of 3,553 students across K-12 school districts, focusing on individualized diagnostic assessments and sustained tutoring interventions. The report outlines that students who participated in the program experienced an average reading improvement of 1.5 grade levels, with approximately 85% showing positive advancements in their reading skills. Notably, high school students improved by an average of two grade levels. The program employs a holistic structured literacy approach, emphasizing one-on-one tutoring sessions five days a week, which are critical for closing literacy gaps. The document details the assessment methods used, including the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests, and provides a breakdown of student performance by grade level. The findings indicate significant literacy gains, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in enhancing reading proficiency among participating students.