Research Topic and References

My goal with this assignment was to decide on a topic that would be more than just a "research paper".  In my school we use a computer based reading program.  As I have been teaching in the library I am seen as the leader for this program.  I like many aspects of the program, but I feel that in some ways we are missing the idea of getting students to read for their own entertainment or learning, it's all about the points they can earn.  I would like to take a close look at computer based programs like Scholastic Reading Counts and Accelerated Reader and see what the research is showing.  Do these programs motivate students?  Are they more/less likely to be life long readers?  Are these programs helpful to successful students? Struggling students?  What is the most appropriate way to use the program within the school?  I hope that by finding some of the answers to these questions I will be better able to facilitate the program at my school.

Atkinson, R., & Hansen, D. (1966). Computer-Assisted Instruction in Initial Reading: The Stanford Project. Reading Research Quarterly, 2(1), 5-25. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/747037

Biggers, D. (2001). The argument against accelerated reader. The Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 45(1), 72-5. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/results/external_link_maincontentframe.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.42

Reed, J., Marchand-Martella, N., Martella, R., & Kolts, R. (2007). Assessing the Effects of the Reading Success Level A Program with Fourth-grade Students at a Title I Elementary School. Education and Treatment of Children, 30(1), 45-68. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/education_and_treatment_of_children/v030/30.1reed.html

Smith, R. (2000). The Lexile Community: From Science to Practice. Popular Measurement, 3(1), 20-21. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from http://mmm1406.sanjose14-verio.com/rascho/pm/pm3-20.pdf

Taylor, R. (n.d.). Before Reading Next: Read 180. Retrieved October 28, 2009, from direct.teacher.scholastic.com/products/research/pdfs/Before_Reading_Next_Ful