Program Description

"Grounded in decades of literacy research and a proven history of efficacy in the classroom, SRA Open Court Reading has been building strong readers, writers, and thinkers for more than 60 years. Underpinned by findings from learning theory and cognitive science—also known as the Science of Reading—and proven to achieve reading gains in a diverse range of readers from beginning to fluent, Open Court Reading is research-validated as well as research-based. A carefully crafted instructional plan and a purposeful progression of skills empower teachers and help make research actionable. By recognizing foundational skills as critical building blocks, Open Court Reading prepares students for a lifetime of literacy and learning."

Cost

Varies by grade level and print vs digital components

Intended Population

• Core

Grade

• Elementary School

Intended Group Size

• Small group
• Classroom

ELL/DLL

• Partial

Multisensory Applications

• Yes

Computer-Based Delivery

• Partial

Scripted

• Instructor Scripted

Comprehensive or Skill Specific

• Comprehensive

Placement Tests

• Yes

Accelerated Learning

• Unspecified

Assessment to Monitor Skills Mastery

• Yes

Error Correction Built In

• Yes

Fidelity Measures Provided by Publisher

• Unspecified

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

Additional Reviews

• https://www.edreports.org/reports/overview/open-court-reading-2016
• https://www.blueprintsprograms.org/programs/967999999/open-court-reading/print/