Journal of Behavioral Education

, Volume 20, Issue 4, pp 260–282 | Cite as

A Preliminary Investigation of Supplemental Computer-Assisted Reading Instruction on the Oral Reading Fluency and Comprehension of First-Grade African American Urban Students

  • Lenwood GibsonJr.
  • Gwendolyn Cartledge
  • Starr E. Keyes
Original Paper
First Online:

Abstract

This preliminary investigation examined the effects of a computerized supplemental reading program on the oral reading fluency, reading growth rates, and comprehension of 8 African American first graders. Participants were selected for this study according to scores within risk categories on the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) oral reading fluency (ORF) winter benchmark, indicating the potential for reading failure. Participants engaged in a supplemental, computer-based reading program designed to improve reading fluency and comprehension. Treatment sessions were conducted 3–4 times per week, for 14–16 weeks. Following the treatment, each participant received the DIBELS ORF spring benchmark as a post-test measure. A pre-intervention/post-intervention analysis showed that all of the participants increased their reading fluency, 5 of the 8 participants reduced their risk status, and 7 of the 8 students increased their reading rate. All of the students improved their comprehension scores. The results support supplementary interventions and computer-based reading programs. The findings are discussed in the context of reading needs and instruction for African American primary-aged students.

Keywords

Reading fluency African American students Early intervention Computer assisted instruction Risk status 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  • Lenwood GibsonJr.
    • 1
  • Gwendolyn Cartledge
    • 2
  • Starr E. Keyes
    • 3
  1. 1.Department of Educational Leadership and Special EducationThe City College of New YorkNew YorkUSA
  2. 2.School of Physical Activity and Educational Services, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusUSA
  3. 3.Education DepartmentBluffton UniversityBlufftonUSA

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