System 44
About the Intervention
System 44 is a foundational reading program for older struggling readers in grades 4-8 who have not mastered basic phonics and decoding skills. The program combines research-based phonics instruction with adaptive technology to improve word reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Students receive approximately 20-25 minutes of computer-delivered adaptive instruction, 25-30 minutes of small group and individual work using high-interest leveled materials, and 5-10 minutes of whole class instruction daily. The program includes 25 series covering 160 topics across four strands: The Code (decoding), Sight Words (high-frequency words), Word Strategies (syllable types and word parts), and Success (reading connected text). Materials include the System 44 software, 44Book, Decodable Digest, 36-title paperback book and audiobook library, SAM practice worksheets, letter tiles, posters, flip chart lessons, and Sound and Articulation DVD. Teachers received a 1-day training in August 2010 plus 3 coaching visits from Scholastic staff during the school year.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect on SRI reading comprehension
Positive effect on SPI Sight Word Fluency
Positive effect on SPI Nonsense Word Accuracy
Positive effect on SPI Nonsense Word Fluency
Positive effect on SPI Overall Accuracy
Positive effect on SPI Overall Fluency
No effect on TOSREC
No effect on CTOPP Elision
No effect on Woodcock-Johnson III Word Identification
No effect on Woodcock-Johnson III Word Attack
No effect on TOWRE Sight Word Efficiency
No effect on TOWRE Phonetic Decoding Efficiency
No effect on CST English-Language Arts
No effect on SPI Letter Name Accuracy
No effect on SPI Sight Word Accuracy
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Those with DisabilitiesPrograms & Services
General Education, Special Education Services, Title IDelivery Methods
Face-to-Face, Blended LearningDisability Support
Specific learning disability, Speech or language impairmentTarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsSource
Bonnie J., F., Karen, H. & Margaret, B. (2011). Evaluation of "System 44." Final Report [2011] (ED613693). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED613693.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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