Reading Now Network Data 2012-2014

In 2013, the Reading Now Network (RNN) set out to study schools in MASA Region 3 that were able to demonstrate significantly better reading scores compared to similar schools in the region.   Using MEAP data from 2011/12, the RNN identified five schools to study based on a graph similar to those above.  Research has been well documented showing the correlation between socio-economic status and achievement, especially in reading.  The graph on the left shows all the schools in the state that participated in the MEAP Reading test the past three years, each dot represents one school.  The vertical access shows how well each school achieved based on the average student score on the MEAP, the higher the dots represent a higher average score.  The horizontal access shows the percentage of free/reduced lunch students in the school, the further to the left, the fewer number of students who qualify for F/R lunch.  As you can clearly see, schools with fewer F/R students (higher socio-economic status) tend to perform higher on the Reading portion of the MEAP.  The white ban with the "best fitting line" running in the middle represents this pattern where most schools fall.  However, some schools are significantly above similar schools (in the green region) where other are significantly below (red region).  Therefore, the RNN network focused on a variety of schools who fell in the top 20% (or green region).  Across the five schools studied, RNN found five foundations:

1. Uncompromising focus: Everything revolves around reading
2. Relevant data used deeply: Everybody knows where they are and where they are going
3. Shared leadership and sustained commitment
4. Classroom management focused on learning
5. Collective responsibility for every child's success

Visit gomasa.org/readingnow for more in depth information on each of the five findings.  Videos featuring the five schools help to illustrate the findings.  The symposium that brought in over 300 educators from region three featured panel discussion from teachers and administrators.  These videos should be available by April 1 at  gomasa.org/readingnow.

Following the initial presentation, MASA Region 3 superintendents requested an interactive tool that would show both the trend and the average over the last three years of the MEAP test.  This tool (MS EXCEL) is now available with brief podcasts supporting how to download, use and understand the tool below:  

How to download the tool

How to select your distrct

Understanding the Graph

Understanding the Table