The impact of Read Naturally on oral reading fluency skills for first and second grade students participating in a response to intervention instructional model

This study examined the impact of Read Naturally, a research-based intervention which utilizes repetitive reading, with 10 first and second grade students considered at risk or some risk in oral reading fluency (ORF) (Ihnot & Ihnot, 1996). The researcher utilized a Response to Intervention (Rtl) Model over a 4-week, 2-month, and 6-month period. Data were collected using Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS??) and pre-and post-scores from Read Naturally (Good & Kaminski, 2002; Ihnot & Ihnot, 1996). Historical data were also used to measure the words read per minute in Group A and Group B in the pre-test. ORF data were examined to ascertain responsiveness or non-responsiveness to the intervention for each student. Collected data were used to determine whether a student had a specific learning disability (SLD). Quantitative data suggested that implementing Read Naturally over a 2-month and 6-month period increased ORF skills. Student inconsistent attendance and time over the 4-week period resulted in inconclusive data. The researcher emphasized the importance of fidelity of instruction, on-going professional development, and time for collaboration amongst educators. The researcher argued that Rtl should be used in the process of determining if a student has a SLD. She focused on early intervention utilizing a preventative model instead of the discrepancy model, or psycho-educational assessments, which focus on qualification for special education. KE