The effect of sustained silent reading on high school student’s lexile scores and attitudes toward reading

Abstract

This research attempted to find the relationship between the consistent practice of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) and a student’s lexile score. Two English I classes in an urban high school completed surveys that focused on a student’s attitude toward recreational and school reading. The Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) provided the two English I classes a lexile score. Class A practiced SSR three days a week, while Class B did not. After the research period of twelve weeks, the two English I classes were given post-surveys similar to the pre-surveys and the SRI. The post-surveys from Class A were compared to the post-surveys from Class B. The post-SRI scores of Class A were compared to the post-SRI scores of Class B. Any changes or shifts in student attitude were measured. The hypothesis was found plausible. Significant differences were found in both the survey and SRI data. Class A had higher SRI scores than Class B. Additionally Class A had a better overall attitude toward reading than Class B.