How the Accelerated Reading Program Supports the Comprehension Development of Struggling Readers

Abstract

When a student is identified as a struggling reader, it not only affects their literacy development but learning across all content areas as well. If this is not recognized early on, this problem can follow them throughout their entire life. This study looks closely at how the Accelerated Reading Program can support the comprehension development of struggling readers. Two focal students were chosen, both of whom were struggling readers. During this four week study, data were collected through field notes, observations, surveys and collecting work samples. Analyses of all the collected data show that the Accelerated Reading Program contains both benefits and drawbacks to helping students with comprehension development. It is best used in conjunction with explicit teaching of comprehension strategies so that students can develop higher level thinking.