The Engaged Learners Program: Effects on Student Engagement During Small Group Reading Instruction.

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Special Education
• Behavioral Interventions

Background:

• Students with reading difficulties and inattention often require specialized support.
• Behavioral support programs can enhance engagement in academic interventions.
• Small group reading interventions benefit from integrated behavior management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usability, feasibility, social validity, and effectiveness of the Engaged Learners program.
• To determine the impact of Engaged Learners on student engagement during reading interventions.
• To assess the program's suitability for students with co-occurring reading difficulties and inattention.

Main Methods:

• A concurrent multiple-baseline design was employed to assess the program's effects.
• Eight students in Grades 3-5 with reading difficulties and inattention participated.
• Data collection focused on engagement outcomes, interventionist fidelity, and social validity.

Main Results:

• Seven out of eight students demonstrated improved engagement.
• Both students and interventionists reported positive perceptions of the program's effectiveness and social validity.
• Limitations included variable interventionist fidelity and high student absenteeism.

Conclusions:

• The Engaged Learners program shows promise as an effective behavior support for improving student engagement in reading interventions.
• Further research is necessary to confirm its impact on specific reading outcomes.
• The program is a viable option for educators seeking minimal-training behavior support for small group reading instruction.