Home PublicationsJRTEPast IssuesVolume 37 Number 2

	Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Utah
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

Volume 37 Number 2 Winter 2004-2005

An Evaluation of the Merit Reading Software Program in the Calhoun County (WV) Middle/High School
Jerry D. Jones
William D. Staats
Noel Bowling
Robert D. Bickel
Michael L. Cunningham
Connie Cadle
Marshall University

Abstract
We were asked by Merit Software to conduct a quasi-experimental research study to evaluate the effects of its reading software on middle school students. Because the No Child Left Behind Act emphasizes the importance of evidence-based interventions and has set improving students reading comprehension as a goal, we agreed to take on this project. Scores from the Stanford Achievement Test, Ninth Edition (SAT-9) for both the treatment and control groups were compared for 2002 and 2003. Our findings showed achievement gains associated with each of the nine SAT-9 dependent variables we measured.

Contributors
Jerry D. Jones is an associate professor of Leadership Studies at the Marshall University Graduate College in South Charleston, West Virginia. He has been a superintendent of two school districts in West Virginia. Most recently he has focused on helping school districts manage their resources effectively.

William D. Staats has also held managerial positions in school districts. He was a Superintendent at the Wood County Schools in West Virginia and an Assistant Superintendent for Program and Pupil Evaluation in the Duval County Schools in Florida.

Noel Bowling is a professor of Reading Education at the Marshall University Graduate College. He has published numerous articles on reading education.

Robert D. Bickel is a professor of Advanced Educational Studies at the Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia campus. He has published several papers in education and public policy relating to research and evaluation.

Michael L. Cunningham is an associate professor of Leadership Studies at the Marshall University Graduate College and a former elementary school principal.

Connie Cadle is a doctoral student in Marshall University’s Leadership Studies department.

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Contact
Jerry D. Jones
Marshall University Graduate College
100 Angus E Peyton Drive
South Charleston, WV 25303
jonesjd@marshall.edu

Copyright © 2004, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.