The College of Education, Health and

Human Sciences

Announces the Final Examination of

Sharlese Louise James

for the degree of

Doctor of Education

Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

320 Ball Hall, University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

Biographical Sketch

Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS

Master of Education, Elementary Education, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS

Education Specialist, Elementary Education, Delta State University, Cleveland, MS

Advisory Committee

Lee Allen, Ed.D, Associate Professor, Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, Committee Chair

Louis Franceschini III, Ph.D., Senior Research Consultant, Center for Research in Educational Policy

Clif Mims, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Instruction and Curriculum Leadership

Allen Hugh Seed, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Instruction and Curriculum Leadership

Major Field of Study

Instruction and Curriculum Leadership

Period of Preparation:  2004- 2014

Comprehensive Examination Passed: October 2010

“How a Computer- Assisted Instructional Program Affects the Reading Fluency of a Selected Group of Second Grade Students”

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of Headsprout Early Reading to augment fluency abilities for second grade students in an urban public school system. Headsprout, a Computer- Assisted Instruction program (CAI), provided internet-based reading instruction based on the National Reading Panel’s recommendations. All second grade students were assessed to determine who would use the program. Second grade students who participated in Headsprout sessions were compared with second grade students who did not use Headsprout. All participants were assessed again at the end of the study.

Analysis of the students’ gains was conducted using a Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (R-ANOVA). It revealed that the participants showed more growth from their entry benchmark and exit benchmark scores than from their entry benchmark and mid entry benchmark scores. Results of a Regression- Discontinuity Data design approach analysis showed an observable “discontinuity” between the mean averages for the treatment group and control group.  Overall, results were more significant for those students who had participated in the program.