Impact of Two Interventions on ISAT Scores in a Small, Rural School District

Abstract

This case study sought to determine the impact that an after school program and summer school program may have had on the ISAT reading scores of elementary students in a small, rural school in the Midwest. A secondary purpose was to determine if other factors may have impacted the effectiveness of the two interventions. Quantitative data indicated that the after school program had a positive effect on ISAT reading scores for those students who participated, raising the median raw score of the ISAT reading test by 2.23 points. On the other hand, there was no evidence that the summer school program had any positive effect on ISAT reading scores. The median raw score of the ISAT reading test of students who participated in the summer school program was not statistically significant when compared to the scores of the control group. Furthermore, the qualitative data indicated areas of concern that may have impacted the effectiveness of the interventions including curriculum used, professional development, student motivation, and communication among stakeholders.