| Roundtable: Ensuring Fidelity of a Computer Aided Reading Intervention in a Randomized Controlled Study |
| Roundtable Presentation 511 to be held in Douglas Boardroom on Friday, November 9, 9:25 AM to 10:10 AM |
| Presenter(s): |
| Joyce Serido, University of Arizona, jserido@email.arizona.edu |
| Mari Wilhelm, University of Arizona, wilhelmm@ag.arizona.edu |
| Abstract: Technology, specifically, computer assisted instructional (CAI) programs may offer a cost-effective solution to meet the needs of the eight million young people between fourth and twelfth grade struggling to read at grade level (Biancarosa & Snow, 2004). While evaluation studies demonstrate small but consistent effect sizes for CAI programs aimed at beginning reading instruction, the poor quality of these studies may mask the true effects of the intervention. In addition to improved study design (e.g., larger sample sizes, use of control groups and randomized assignment), fidelity of implementation is essential for assessing the impact of an intervention on student outcomes. In this workshop, we outline our approach for improving fidelity of implementation in a multi-state, multi-site randomized controlled study of struggling readers in Grades 1 - 12. |