Open Court Reading
Overview
Focus
Specific Skills
- Comprehension
- Fluency
- General reading ability
- Phonics
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
- Writing skills
Program Length
School Year
Program Description
Open Court Reading is research-based comprehensive K–5 reading, writing, and language arts curriculum that aligns with what we know about how students learn to read. Using systematic, explicit instruction, Open Court Reading helps all students master the foundational skills needed not only to move to proficiency, but also to achieve greater goals of reading independently with confidence inside and outside the classroom.
Visit Program WebsiteCost
Varies by grade level and print vs digital components
More Pricing DetailsDemographics & Delivery
Intended Population
- Core
Grade
- Elementary School
Intended Group Size
- Small group
- Classroom
ELL/DLL
- Yes
Multisensory Applications
- Yes
Computer-Based Delivery
- Partial
Scripted
- Instructor Scripted
Program Specifics
Comprehensive or Skill Specific
- Comprehensive
Placement Tests
- Yes
Advanced Placement
- Unspecified
Assessment to Monitor Skills Mastery
- Yes
Error Correction Built In
- Yes
Fidelity Measures Provided by Publisher
- Unspecified
Research & Evaluation
Research Summary
A literature review revealed evidence of mixed effects. In two studies, students using Open Court Reading experienced greater overall reading gains (e.g. vocabulary, and comprehension) than comparison/control groups. However, one study reported a mix of positive and negative effects of Open Court Reading when compared to a different, "business as usual" reading curriculum.
Study Citations
Borman, G. D., Dowling, N. M., & Schneck, C. (2008). A multisite cluster randomized field trial of Open Court Reading. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 30, 389-407.
Skindrud, K., & Gersten, R. (2006). An evaluation of two contrasting approaches for improving reading achievement in a large urban district. The Elementary School Journal, 106, 389-408.
Vaden-Kiernan, M., Borman, G., Caverly, S., Bell, N., Sullivan, K., Ruiz de Castilla, V., . . . Jones, D. H. (2018). Findings from a multiyear scale-up effectiveness trial of Open Court Reading. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 11(1), 109-132.
What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Report
- Potentially positive effects
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
- Mixed evidence