Xtreme Reading

Xtreme Reading

Program Description

Xtreme Reading is a program based on the University of Kansas Strategic Instruction Model. It aims to help struggling adolescent readers by providing step-by-step strategies focusing on word identification, vocabulary development, self-questioning, visual imagery, paraphrasing, and inference. This program is recommended for students in fourth grade or higher who are at least two grade levels behind.

Student population

Xtreme Reading was examined with 8462 students from urban and rural communities in the United States. Populations studied include African American, Hispanic, White, English learners, Special Education and 52% were eligible for Free and Reduced Price Meal.

Current evidence

Xtreme Reading has been rated as Strong by Evidence for ESSA (https://www.evidenceforessa.org/program/sim-xtreme-reading-struggling-readers/) for students. One study in Portland, OR found positive outcomes in comparison to control schools in both middle and high schools. The program demonstrated an average effect size of +0.09.

For more information:

KU Center for Research and Learning (The University of Kansas)

Website: https://kucrl.ku.edu/

Cantrell, S., Almasi, J. F., Carter, J. C., Rintamaa, M., & Madden, A. (2010). The Impact of a Strategy-Based Intervention o the Comprehension and Strategy Use of Struggling Adolescent Readers. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(2), 257-280.

Faddis, B. J., Beam, M., Maxim, L., Gandhi, E. V., Hahn, K., Hale, R. (2011). Portland public schools’ striving readers program: Year 5 evaluation report. Retrieved from https:///www2ed.gov/programs/strivingreaders/perfromance.html