Program Description

"Superkids is a comprehensive English language arts curriculum crafted for grades K–2 using evidence-based literacy practices. This proven-effective program follows a unique systematic and explicit instructional path through engaging, increasingly complex text." According to EdReport’s Science of Reading Snapshot, this program addresses 5/5 foundational literacy components for grades K-2.

Cost

Classroom package prices vary by grade

Intended Population

• Core
• Intervention

Grade

• Elementary School

Intended Group Size

• Small group
• Classroom
• School

ELL/DLL

• Full

Multisensory Applications

• Yes

Computer-Based Delivery

• Partial

Scripted

• Instructor Scripted

Comprehensive or Skill Specific

• Comprehensive

Placement Tests

• Yes

Accelerated Learning

• Yes

Assessment to Monitor Skills Mastery

• Yes

Error Correction Built In

• Yes

Fidelity Measures Provided by Publisher

• Unspecified

Research Summary

The SuperKids Reading Program has been associated with positive outcomes on measures of sound and word reading, with an average effect size of 0.23 compared to control participants. Several case studies and longitudinal studies conducted by the SuperKids publisher also found greater reading outcomes in students receiving the program when compared to controls. However, due to the limited amount of peer-reviewed studies, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of the SuperKids program at this time.

Study Citations

Borman, G. D., & Dowling, N. M. (2009). Student and teacher outcomes of the Superkids quasi-experimental study. Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk, 14(3), 207-225. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10824660903375602?casa_token=vvclkKbLM8sAAAAA%3AsgB1sxHpXenpzAaI6uL-_cdm6bg2KFqPwxOltBtD6LqhZ5-G3OuZZkpXx4b2RD-48DMVNogcd1Q

Jordan, J., & Foster, S. (n.d.) Case Study: Evaluation of Superkids Reading Program. University of Cincinnati Research Institute. https://www.zaner-bloser.com/products/pdfs/Independent_Researchers_Discover_Rapid_Progress_with_Superkids.pdf

Superkids (n.d) A Summary of Effectiveness Studies. https://www.zaner-bloser.com/reading/superkids-reading-program/pdfs/SK17_Summary_of_Effectiveness_Brochure.pdf

Evidence Base (ESSA)

• Moderate

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

• Insufficient evidence

Additional Reviews

• https://edreports.org/reports/detail/the-superkids-reading-program-K