Kentucky Reading Project Evaluation

The Kentucky Reading Project (KRP) is a statewide professional development initiative for Kentucky public school elementary (P-5) teachers supported by the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (CCLD). It is developed and delivered by literacy faculty at Kentucky's eight public universities and is designed to improve student achievement and emphasize family involvement in literacy. The yearlong, graduate level reading course consists of a two-week summer institute for school teams, four follow-up sessions during the year, and at least one coaching visit to each teacher.

Researchers from Western Kentucky University are conducting a multi-year study of the impacts of KRP on teachers and students. The research questions that guide this study are as follows:

  • What effect does participation in KRP have on teachers' efficacy and their beliefs about literacy instruction?
  • What effect does participation in KRP have on teachers' literacy instruction and their implementation of culturally responsive pedagogy?
  • What effect does teacher participation in KRP have on students' reading achievement?

Each year, the study uses a quasi-experimental research design to ascertain the impacts of the project on instruction and achievement in one KRP university site. At the end of the multi-year period, conclusions will be drawn across sites and across KRP cohorts. Impacts of the project on teachers' efficacy and beliefs about literacy instruction are reported each year of the project. Preliminary results from the first year of study will be available in January 2010.

Lead Researchers:   Sherry Powers, Ed. D. and Tony Norman, Ph.D., Western Kentucky University