Effective intervention programs and their impact on children in poverty.

Abstract

The purpose of this master’s project was to investigate the growing problems of illiteracy in the United States, how it relates to poverty, and both literacy intervention programs and frameworks that may have a positive effect on those students who struggle. The first stage of this investigation involved research into the issue of illiteracy in the United States and its connection to poverty. Research articles were collected on the topics of illiteracy, poverty, and effective literacy programs and frameworks through the use of database searches. The second stage of this investigation was to analyze the relevant research articles discovered and identify which literacy programs and frameworks would have a positive effect on students struggling with illiteracy. The third and final stage of this investigation developed a professional development experience that would most efficiently teach these programs and framework to professionals who may use the information to improve their student’s literacy abilities. The findings of this investigation indicated that illiteracy and poverty are correlating educational issues, that READ 180, the 4 R’s program, and the RTI framework are possible ways to improve student’s literacy abilities, and that professional development experiences may improve teacher’s ability to utilize these programs and framework to benefit their students.