• What’s New – Research Shows Merit Reading Programs Increase Standardized Test Scores
• Customer Feedback - Accu-Reading
• Recommended Resource - Audible.com
• Grants for U.S. Educators

Consultants at Marshall University Graduate College led a scientifically based research study in Calhoun County, West Virginia. Merit Software commissioned consultants at Marshall to conduct a control versus treatment group research study. The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of Merit reading and language arts programs used by students in grades 6 and 8.

The evidence shows that after an average of just six hours of use, students in the treatment group made significant gains. Scores on the Stanford Achievement Test-9 Reading Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension subtests increased by 13.1% and 10.5%, respectively, of the total mean.

To read a summary of the study, go to:
http://www.meritsoftware.com/merit_calhoun_summary.pdf

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Customer Feedback - Accu-Reading

“The software works well. Our students like it, and really like the instant results it gives. Plus, it motivates them. We’ve seen real improvement on their test scores,” says an educator at Westminster West Middle School in Westminster, MD, about Merit Software’s Accu-Reading.

Accu-Reading was one of the programs used in the Marshall/Calhoun study. The software covers key reading skills, including drawing conclusions and inference. Students work with science and social studies reading passages. They attain strategies for analyzing vocabulary and developing effective word choice skills.

For a complete software description or to try the downloadable evaluation version, go to http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/accu_reading

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Audible.com is an online service that converts newspapers, magazines and audiobooks into downloadable digital files. Files may be transferred to iPods or Pocket PCs. Categories include Biography, Science, Children and Young Adult. Over 18,000 titles are available.

To learn more, visit: http://www.audible.com/adbl/store

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Microsoft® Community Affairs Unlimited Potential grants offer cash funding for community-based technology and learning centers. Eligible programs must be school-based, non-profit and government-funded, as well as require funding for after-school hours. Proposals, which may include the purchase of educational software, must be submitted through the closest Microsoft subsidiary.

Go to: http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/apply

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