Description:

In alignment with the Academic Excellence pillar outlined in the Strategic Plan, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) initiated the implementation of Structured Literacy in the 2022–2023 school year for kindergarten through second grade across all elementary schools to enhance student literacy. This evaluation examined two key areas (1) the implementation of Structured Literacy in classrooms for the 2022–2023 school year and (2) its effect on students' foundational skills in reading.  To evaluate implementation, observational data were collected from a sample of 35 schools using a specialized classroom observation tool. For evaluating reading outcomes, descriptive statistical analyses were calculated using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) benchmark levels and progress levels. Additionally, paired t-test were used to examine differences between beginning and end of the year outcomes.

Recommendations:

1. Continue to provide professional learning and support to improve the implementation of Structured Literacy in specific elements of the Word Recognition block, Language Comprehension block, small group instruction, and student engagement.
2. Identify explicit steps schools should take to support students who perform at the "Well Below" benchmark at the beginning of the year.

A response to the recommendations in this report, prepared by the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, can be found here.

File Name: Structured Lit Yr 1 Implement Outcome Eval FINAL.pdf (1.5MB PDF)