Measuring Efficacy of an Online Reading Literacy Program in English- A New Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for testing the efficacy of an online reading program, namely, ‘Literacy Pro’ which was developed by Scholastic Corporation in the US to improve the English reading and comprehension skill of students. The conceptual framework that is developed will also measure the impact of students’ performance in international English proficiency exams, such as PISA, PIRLS, TIMSS, and ASSET after they have participated in the online reading literacy program. It is the accurate and timely identification of the students ‘at-risk’ in reading difficulties so that additional instructions or interventions can be provided. From the measurement perspective, effective screening tools demonstrated high levels of sensitivity in identifying those students who will actually encounter reading difficulties, as well as high levels of specificity in the accurate identification of those students who are not likely to demonstrate reading difficulties. A research instrument is adapted to explore the reading strategies used by the students and recommended by the teachers. Effective reading strategy involves self-directed control of the learning process inside and outside the classroom.