Find the best evidence-based interventions for your students

Fast ForWord Language

Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade

Fast ForWord Language is an intensive, adaptive, computer-based training program designed to improve language comprehension and phonological awareness in elementary school children (primarily kindergarten through 3rd grade, with some 4th and 5th graders) who are at-risk for failure in reading and language arts. The program consists of seven computer game exercises that train speech reception and language comprehension skills, starting with basic acoustic reception abilities and progressing to exercises designed to improve syntactic and semantic skills. Students work individually at computer-based training exercises for 100 minutes per day, five days per week, for an average of about 30 school days (range 15-116 days). The exercises use acoustically-modified speech that is initially stretched in time or amplified, then adaptively approaches normal speech speeds as the child progresses. Children wear headphones and use a computer mouse to respond, receiving trial-by-trial feedback with rewards for correct responses. The program is supervised by a speech-language or educational professional.

2004

High

6 Weeks

Cost per student

$3,360.04

Black Teacher Assignment

This study examines the effects of random assignment to Black versus White teachers in upper-elementary school (fourth and fifth grade). The intervention involves students being taught by Black teachers who bring specific mindsets and practices to their classrooms, including growth mindset beliefs, strong classroom organization skills, preparation for instruction, relationships with students and families, and classroom support. Teachers in the study were generalists who taught all core subjects (math, ELA, and others). The random assignment occurred within schools during the 2012-13 school year as part of the National Center for Teacher Effectiveness (NCTE) research project. Teachers contributed videotaped lessons throughout the year and completed surveys each fall. No special training or setup was required beyond the existing teaching practices that Black teachers naturally employed.

2022

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Career Academies

9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade

Career Academies are high school reform programs serving 150-200 students in grades 9-12 (or 10-12). They are organized as small learning communities within larger high schools, combining academic and career/technical curricula around a career theme (such as health professions, business and finance, electronics, travel and tourism, or information technology). The programs establish partnerships with local employers to provide work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, career fairs, guest speakers, and internships. Students take 2-4 courses per year in the Academy and remaining courses in the regular high school, with block scheduling of Academy classes in the morning. The approach aims to create supportive learning environments with personalized attention from teachers, improve student engagement and attendance, prevent dropouts, and prepare students for both post-secondary education and employment transitions.

2004

108 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Talent Development High School Model

9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade

Talent Development High School Model is a comprehensive school reform initiative targeting low-performing urban high schools. The model focuses intensively on ninth grade through the Ninth Grade Success Academy, which reorganizes ninth-graders into small learning communities of 100-125 students taught by dedicated teacher teams. Students receive double doses of English and math using extended 90-minute block scheduling, with specialized catch-up courses (Transition to Advanced Mathematics and Strategic Reading) in the first semester preparing them for required courses in the second semester. The model includes a Freshman Seminar for study skills and social adjustment. For grades 10-12, students are organized into Career Academies (small learning communities of 250-350 students around career themes) that provide college-preparatory curriculum and work-based learning. Implementation requires professional development for teachers, curriculum coaches, and an organizational facilitator at each school. The model also includes a Twilight Academy for students with attendance or discipline problems.

2005

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Four Reading Interventions: Corrective Reading, Failure Free Reading, Spell Read P.A.T., and Wilson Reading

3rd Grade, 5th Grade

This study evaluates four widely used remedial reading programs for struggling readers in grades 3 and 5: Corrective Reading, Failure Free Reading, Spell Read P.A.T., and Wilson Reading. The interventions were delivered as pull-out programs in small groups of three students, meeting five days per week for approximately 50-minute sessions from November 2003 through May 2004, totaling about 90 hours of instruction on average. Three interventions (Corrective Reading, Spell Read P.A.T., and Wilson Reading) focus primarily on word-level skills including phonemic awareness, phonemic decoding, and reading fluency through systematic and explicit instruction. Failure Free Reading focuses on building sight vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through computer-based lessons, workbook exercises, and teacher-led instruction. Teachers were recruited from participating schools and received approximately 70 hours of professional development and support during the implementation year, including 30 hours of initial intensive training, 24 hours during a practice period, and 14 hours of supervision during the intervention phase.

2006

High

22 Weeks

Cost per student

$1,631.53

Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP)

9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, 13th Grade

The Quantum Opportunity Program (QOP) is a comprehensive, intensive case management and mentoring program designed to help at-risk high school students graduate from high school and enroll in postsecondary education or training. The program targets youth with low grades entering high schools with high dropout rates, serving them year-round for five years from ninth grade through the year after scheduled graduation. QOP provides case management and mentoring (with approximately 15-25 enrollees per case manager), supplemental education (including tutoring and computer-assisted instruction), developmental activities (life skills and employment-readiness training), community service activities, supportive services (such as snacks, transportation assistance, child care, health services), and financial incentives (stipends of approximately $1.25 per hour for participation, with matching amounts deposited in accrual accounts). The program model prescribes an annual participation goal of 750 hours for each enrollee who has not graduated. Enrollees remain eligible for services regardless of behavior or status changes (such as transferring schools, dropping out, or becoming incarcerated). After graduation, enrollees receive limited services including mentoring and assistance with enrolling in postsecondary education or training through the end of the fifth year.

2006

21 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Reading Apprenticeship Academic Literacy and Xtreme Reading

9th Grade

Reading Apprenticeship Academic Literacy (designed by WestEd) and Xtreme Reading (designed by the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning) are supplemental literacy programs designed as full-year courses for ninth-grade students reading two or more years below grade level. Both programs replace a ninth-grade elective class and aim to help students adopt strategies used by proficient readers, improve comprehension skills, and increase motivation to read. The programs meet for a minimum of 225 minutes per week in classes of 12-15 students. Reading Apprenticeship uses 'flexible fidelity' with teachers adapting lessons to student needs while maintaining program themes. Xtreme Reading follows prescribed daily lesson plans with structured activities. Both programs received five-day summer training institutes, booster training sessions during the school year, and minimum two one-day coaching visits. Teachers were experienced English/language arts or social studies teachers with an average of over 11 years of teaching experience.

2008

Cost per student

N/A

School Renaissance

3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade

School Renaissance is a comprehensive school reform model that includes Reading Renaissance and Math Renaissance programs. Reading Renaissance was implemented in McKinney Independent School District elementary schools beginning in spring 2000 and mandated in all district schools in fall 2000. Math Renaissance was subsequently mandated in all schools (grades 3-8) in January 2002. The model incorporates programs like Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math, along with critical CSR elements including extensive professional development, formative evaluation, faculty buy-in, curriculum alignment with state standards, and resource allocation monitoring. The program emphasizes curriculum alignment with state standards using Standards Master assessment and web-based reporting software.

2003

Cost per student

N/A

Waterford Early Reading Program

Kindergarten

Waterford Early Reading Program (WERP) is a technology-based reading program designed to teach children to read, write, and keyboard in early elementary grades, specifically kindergarten. The program uses computer software integrated into learning activities and is research-based. WERP addresses emergent reading skills including Initial Sound Fluency, Letter Naming Fluency, Word Use Fluency, Phoneme Segmentation Fluency, and Nonsense Word Fluency. The program was implemented in 15 Title I elementary schools in the Tucson Unified School District during the 2005-06 school year, targeting kindergarten students with high rates of free/reduced lunch eligibility. Students used the WERP software for varying amounts of time, with the study focusing on students who had at least 1100 minutes (approximately 6 months) of usage. The program includes multiple levels (Reading Level 1, Reading Level 2, and Phonological Awareness components) that students progress through based on their individual needs and abilities.

2006

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

Enhanced Academic Instruction in After-School Programs

2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade

This evaluation tests two enhanced after-school programs: Harcourt Mathletics for math and Success for All's Adventure Island for reading. Both programs provide 45 minutes of daily structured academic instruction to students in grades 2-5 who need extra academic support. Mathletics uses differentiated instruction with pretests, skill packs, games, and computer activities, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Adventure Island uses structured daily lessons with fast-paced activities covering phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, grouping students by reading level. Both programs are delivered by certified teachers in small groups of approximately 10 students, four days per week throughout the school year. Teachers receive upfront training, ongoing technical assistance, and daily paid preparation time. The programs include attendance monitoring, parent follow-up for absences, and incentives to encourage regular attendance.

2008

36 Weeks

Cost per student

N/A

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