Reading Recovery in Northern Ireland: the First Two Years

Abstract

The study covered the experiences of the schools, teachers and pupils involved in the first two years of the introduction of Reading Recovery to Northern Ireland. The objectives of the evaluation were broadly to report how the initiative was working in terms of the processes involved and the outcomes achieved. Qualitative methods of interview and observation complemented quantitative measures of reading ability throughout the evaluation period.

The study of the implementation process concentrated on the Reading Recovery teachers, principals and pupils in the 23 schools which joined the initiative at its outset in September 1994. In the second year the evaluation extended to the newly involved schools (bringing the total to 51) and also took in the link teachers in the original schools. Throughout both years opportunities were taken to collect the views of pupils’ class teachers and parents.