What is Reading RACES?

Reading RACES (Relevant and Culturally Engaging Stories) is a computer assisted instruction software that combines the use of an empirically validated oral reading fluency strategy called repeated readings with the use of culturally relevant stories for primary aged students.

Reading RACES offers distinct advantages over existing programs because (a) it incorporates evidence-based procedures, (b) it employs an instructional format to address learning threats for underperforming students and (c) it provides for self-directed learning, minimizing the need for extensive adult supervision, which is often limited in urban settings. The overall purpose of the program is to improve reading fluency and comprehension of 1^st– and 2^nd– grade students at risk for learning disabilities/reading failure by combining:

• repeated readings,
• cultural relevance,
• affirmations, and
• goal setting

As part of the program, the computer software is able to allow students to practice and receive corrective and positive feedback with limited teacher interactions/commitment. In particular, the program provides:

1              The capability to conduct timed readings with minimal adult assistance.

2             The capability to recognize and record the reader’s voice.

3             The capability to recognize if the student is reading the story presented.

4             The ability to recognize error patterns and give corrective feedback.

5             The ability to calculate correct and incorrect words per timed reading.

6             The ability to track progress and prompt the user through various program levels.

7              The ability to provide reading levels from 1^st to 2^nd grade.

8             The ability to provide stories relevant to urban learners that involve everyday experiences, wholesome        personalities, and attractive images.

Setting Reading Goals

The goals for all students are initially set at the end-of-year goal for that grade level: 60 words per minute for first grade and 90 words per minute for second grade (see Science Behind the Software section). Additionally, we expect students to have a prescribed growth rate of 2 words per week (wpw) for first grade and 1.5 wpw for second grade. The curriculum is structured so that students will not be frustrated but are consistently encouraged to keep trying and make progress. The performance of each student is recorded and calculated within the computer program.

Individualizing Reading Goals

The instructional program allows the adult to adjust student goals from session to session (as benchmark assessments) so that an “at-risk” first grader who is reading only 10 correct words per minute (CWPM) is given a “realistic” reading goal according to his/her reading growth. Setting a presentation pace for student benchmark performance will be closely monitored to assess goals and frustration. For example, the software allows the adult to set the session goal from 20 CWPM to 120 CWPM in increments of 5. The timed reading assessments on practiced passages will dictate the need to reduce, maintain, or increase the goal.

Instructional Model and Reference Guide

For this program, 25 passages each for first-and second grade were created to increase student fluency through repeated readings. The program is designed so each child progresses through the passages and the reading fluency goal increases as the student’s reading fluency improves. An overall fluency goal is set prior to beginning the program, with smaller target goals in place for each particular passage. Prior to beginning each new story, the child is given a fluency goal and continues to read that same passage until that fluency goal is reached. On sessions when the student does not meet the goal, the computer records the correct words per minute and prompts the student to read the story again.

The student is not permitted to move on to subsequent stories until the specified goal is reached and the comprehension maze is taken. Once that goal is obtained, the student moves to the next story and continues through the program until the overall fluency goal is met on the practiced passage.