| The purpose of this study was to determine what effect participating in a summer reading program had on test scores. I also wanted to find out from students, staff and parents of participating students what could be done to improve the summer reading program. To accomplish this I prepared three surveys: one for teachers, one for students and one for parents. The other component of this study was to analyze reading test scores from the spring and fall to determine what changes occurred. From the teacher surveys I determined the teachers felt the program details were not as clear to the students as they could be. I also obtained some excellent ideas to improve the program for next year. From the student surveys I determined that half of the students were excited about the ice cream party reward that was offered for completing the program and that the school has a dedicated core of readers. From the parent surveys I determined that students who visit the school's media center during the summer were very likely to complete the summer reading program. I also learned that parents thought their children would enjoy an altruistic reward component to the reading program. In order to develop a more effective program students and parents will need to be reminded of the program details, different rewards should be offered, and more teacher involvement should be obtained. |
