Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

College of Applied Human Sciences

Department

Not Listed

Committee Chair

Abhik Roy

Committee Member

Cindy Fitch

Committee Member

Ugur Kale

Abstract

The present study examines the suitability of the DIBELS 8th edition assessment for use within the scope and context of the Energy Express summer literacy program. The 6-week summer program helps children in grades K-5 from rural and low-income West Virginia communities improve or maintain their reading levels over the summer months. Standard, grade-appropriate DIBELS 8th subtests were administered to 1,065 participants at the beginning and end of Summer 2022. The resulting pre- and post-scores were cross-referenced with demographic data and attendance rates from 20 counties and 35 sites in West Virginia. They were then analyzed for correlations and inferences that will help the West Virginia University Extension Service (WVES) improve the efficacy of the Energy Express program. No definitive correlation was established between composite scores and median household income (MHHI) per county, rejecting the original hypothesis of high positive correlations. Disconnect between the various databases resulted in a lower-than-anticipated number of data altering most parts of the originally proposed method of analysis. The alternative approach involved the generation of additional data through simulation and subsequent parametric testing. Paired t-tests revealed significant statistical differences between pre-and post-means, while ANCOVA tested for the effect of grade on post-scores after controlling for pre-scores and indicated no effect. Finally, a power analysis was employed to determine the minimum sample size for each grade, concluding that the total number of participants would be close to the original numbers if records were complete.

Embargo Reason

Publication Pending

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