Program Description

"Reading Mastery Signature Edition uses the highly explicit, systematic approach of Direct Instruction to accelerate reading and help students achieve a high rate of success. Three strands address Reading, Language Arts, and Literature through a common instructional design that helps students learn more efficiently. With the addition of technology-based resources for both additional practice and professional development, Reading Mastery Signature Edition helps teachers optimize each minute spent in the classroom."

Cost

Prices vary depending on type (student subscriptions, teacher subscriptions, grade level) and duration (1 or 3 year subscriptions available). Individual student editions range from $7.44–144.40. Typical pricing for teacher and grade level subscriptions ranges from $114.96–508.76. Specific pricing available from MH Education Website.

Intended Population

• Any

Grade

• Pre-K
• Elementary School

Intended Group Size

• Small group
• Classroom
• School

ELL/DLL

• Partial

Multisensory Applications

• Yes

Delivery Method

• Hybrid / blended delivery

Scripted

• Instructor Scripted

Comprehensive or Skill Specific

• Comprehensive

Placement Tests

• Yes

Accelerated Learning

• No

Assessment to Monitor Skills Mastery

• Yes

Error Correction Built In

• Yes

Fidelity Measures Provided by Publisher

• Unspecified

Research Summary

"There are multiple What Works Clearninghouse (WWC) intervention reports for Reading Mastery, which include research based on Reading Mastery Signature Edition. For beginner readers (K–3), no studies of Reading Mastery fall within the scope WWC evidence standards. The lack of studies meeting WWC evidence standards means that, at this time, the WWC is unable to draw any conclusions based on research about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of Reading Mastery on beginning readers in grades K–3. Whereas, for adolescent readers (Grades 4–5), Reading Mastery had potentially positive effects on reading fluency and no discernible effects on comprehension for adolescent learners, according to WWC. Upon reviewing the literature, the previous Reading Mastery versions have some evidence of improved reading achievement skills. However, only one peer-reviewed article was found specifically evaluating the Language Arts component of Reading Mastery Signature Edition (Ralston & Benner, 2009) and found that ELL students made significant gains in reading skills from pre to post test. Despite these positive results, there is insufficient evidence evaluating the Signature Edition to support the efficacy of this program at this time.

Study Citations

Ralston, N. C., Benner, G. J., Nelson, J. R., & Caniglia, C. (2009). The Effects of the “Language Arts” Strand of the “Reading Mastery Signature Series” on the Reading and Language Skills of English Language Learners. Journal of Direct Instruction, 9(1), 47–55.

O'Connor, R. E., Jenkins, J. R., Cole, K. N., & Mills, P. E. (1993). Two approaches to reading instruction with children with disabilities: Does program design make a difference? Exceptional Children, 59(4), 312-323.

Sexton, C. W. (1989). Effectiveness of the DISTAR Reading I Program in developing first graders' language skills. The Journal of Educational Research, 82(5), 289-293.

Stockard, J. & Engelmann, K. (2010). The development of early academic success: The impact of Direct Instruction's Reading Mastery. Journal of Behavior Assessment in Children, 1(1), 2-24.

What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Report

• No studies met WWC inclusion criteria

Evidence Base (ESSA)

• No studies met inclusion requirements

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

• Insufficient evidence

Additional Reviews

• https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/08/13/01whatworks.h28.html
• https://www.nifdi.org/programs/reading/reading-mastery