Response to Early Reading Intervention Examining Higher and Lower Responders

This study examined the effects of an intensive reading intervention for students demonstrating minimal response to previous, less intensive intervention. Participants received intervention for 13 to 26 weeks in first grade. In second grade, students were screened and those meeting the benchmark (higher responders) did not receive further intervention, whereas those who did not meet benchmark (lower responders) received an additional 26 weeks of a more intensive intervention. Using a regression-discontinuity design, lower and higher responders were compared on several measures of reading. Significant findings for reading comprehension and word reading were demonstrated in favor of the lower responder group. No significant results were shown for reading fluency. Teachers' perspectives of the lower responders' academic competence were significantly lower than those of higher responders.