Research has highlighted a range of teaching and learning strategies that are effective as a child develops from age three to grade three. Reading Corps provides individualized, data-driven instruction, one-on-one attention, highly-trained tutors, instruction delivered as designed (i.e. with fidelity), and the frequency and duration shown to be necessary for student achievement. Evaluation of the Minnesota Reading Corps (MRC) PreK and K-3 programs found that:

  1. both programs had statistically significant and sizeable positive effects on the reading abilities of 4 and 5 year-old and K-1st grade MRC participants (compared to non-MRC program participants), and
  2. both programs can likely be spread with similar effects to other schools and early education organizations.

Further information

Program/Intervention
Minnesota Reading Corps K-3
Implementing Organization
ServeMinnesota Action Network
Intermediary(s)

ServeMinnesota

AmeriCorps Program(s)
AmeriCorps State and National
Age(s) Studied
0-5 (Early childhood)
6-12 (Childhood)
Focus Population(s)/Community(s)
Schools
Outcome Category
K-12 success
Study Type(s)
Impact
Outcomes
Other
Study Design(s)
Experimental (RCT)
Non-Experimental
Level of Evidence
Strong
Researcher/Evaluator
NORC
Published Year
2014
Report Citation
Markovitz, C.; Hernandez, M.; Hedberg, E.; Silberglitt, B. (2014). Impact Evaluation of the Minnesota Reading Corps K-3 Program. Chicago, IL: NORC at the University of Chicago.