Just Right Reader 1st Grade Classroom Libraries Cohort Efficacy Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Just Right Reader 1st Grade Classroom Libraries Cohort Efficacy Study
Language: English
Authors: Sofia Jimenez, Isabella Ilievski, Madison Lee Mason, Rachel Schechter, Charles River Media Group, LXD Research
Source: Online Submission. 2025.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Early Childhood Education
Grade 1
Primary Education
Descriptors: Achievement Tests, Reading Fluency, Elementary School Students, Emergent Literacy, Reading Tests, Instructional Materials, Reading Materials, Reading Achievement, Standardized Tests, Grade 1, Literacy, Program Effectiveness, School Districts, Student Diversity, Spanish, English, Decoding (Reading)
Geographic Terms: Texas
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), Measures of Academic Progress
Abstract: This mixed-methods, cross-cohort efficacy study evaluated "Just Right Reader's Classroom Libraries" first-grade students across six schools in a diverse Texas district. The Classroom Libraries consisted of decodable literacy resources appropriately matched to instructional needs and were available in English to all students and in Spanish to the dual language students. Treatment students who used the Classroom Libraries during the 2024-2025 academic year (n = 509) significantly outperformed comparison peers from the previous school year, 2023-2024 (n = 516). Specifically, treatment students had higher end-of-year mClass DIBELS composite scores than comparison students when accounting for mid-year performance ([beta] = 3.12, p = 0.002). This represented approximately 5% additional literacy growth over the course of one semester. Students using the Classroom Libraries also demonstrated greater subdomain gains in letter sounds, word reading, decoding, and reading fluency (p's < 0.05), as well as significantly higher NWEA MAP Reading RIT score growth (+4 points, p < 0.001) among classrooms reporting consistent engagement with the Classroom Libraries. Qualitative feedback from educators indicated increased student engagement, confidence, and reading fluency among students using the libraries. Overall, our research suggests that "Just Right Reader's Classroom Libraries" provide an effective approach to strengthening foundational reading skills and promoting equitable literacy development in first grade.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: ED677149
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This mixed-methods, cross-cohort efficacy study evaluated "Just Right Reader's Classroom Libraries" first-grade students across six schools in a diverse Texas district. The Classroom Libraries consisted of decodable literacy resources appropriately matched to instructional needs and were available in English to all students and in Spanish to the dual language students. Treatment students who used the Classroom Libraries during the 2024-2025 academic year (n = 509) significantly outperformed comparison peers from the previous school year, 2023-2024 (n = 516). Specifically, treatment students had higher end-of-year mClass DIBELS composite scores than comparison students when accounting for mid-year performance ([beta] = 3.12, p = 0.002). This represented approximately 5% additional literacy growth over the course of one semester. Students using the Classroom Libraries also demonstrated greater subdomain gains in letter sounds, word reading, decoding, and reading fluency (p's < 0.05), as well as significantly higher NWEA MAP Reading RIT score growth (+4 points, p < 0.001) among classrooms reporting consistent engagement with the Classroom Libraries. Qualitative feedback from educators indicated increased student engagement, confidence, and reading fluency among students using the libraries. Overall, our research suggests that "Just Right Reader's Classroom Libraries" provide an effective approach to strengthening foundational reading skills and promoting equitable literacy development in first grade.