Survey reveals thousands benefiting from Read3 in 2023

In July 2023 Read3 conducted a short survey to gather some important data about how Read3 is being used in schools and speech pathology clinics, and to assess user satisfaction levels. 

The high response rate has enabled us to forecast usage levels across all Read3 clients. 

So, what did the findings reveal?

Usage Levels

We are delighted to say that the results indicate that approximately 4700 children have benefited from the Read3 program and resources in the past six months.

This includes:

• approximately 1750 children have enrolled in the Read3 program
• an additional 1400 children have used Read3 resources as part of broader intervention
• an additional 1550 children have used the Easy Alphabet in the classroom or private therapy

Client Progress

Participants were asked to rate satisfaction on a scale of 1 (dissatisfied) to 6 (extremely satisfied).

When asked "How satisfied are you with the general progress of children using the Read3 program" the average participant rating was 5.31 out of 6.

Responses to an open-ended question about previous intervention offered to these students indicates that for most students quality phonics programs such as MiniLit, MacqLit, Sounds-Write and PLD had been attempted previously.

Analysis of open-ended comments from participants identified some key areas of growth. Top of the list was improved confidence and commitment to learning. 🎉

For children who have failed to respond to previous intervention, building self-confidence is critical - it takes courage to get up and try yet again! The therapy-based learning model of Read3 has been carefully designed to ensure a 'gentle' start in an effort to build trust and there are many opportunities for early success available to the child. Seeing the intentions of this model reflected in the client response is very rewarding indeed.  

Percentages indicate the number of respondents who spontaneously mentioned improvements in these areas:

• Confidence (72%)
• Phonological/Phonemic Awareness (64%)
• Letter-Sound Knowledge (60%)
• Reading (52%)
• Writing/Spelling (24%)
• Engagement (24%)
• Social-Emotional (16%)
• Handwriting (8%)

Professional learning, training and personal support

Participants were again asked to rate satisfaction on a scale of 1 (extremely dissatisfied) to 6 (extremely satisfied).

When asked "How supported do you feel in terms of training, professional learning or personal contact with Read3?" the average participant rating was 5.58 out of 6. 

At Read3 we pride ourselves on providing support to our professionals well beyond the purchase of the program and is great to see our goal reflected in these scores. 😊

Here's what one school had to say:

Improved understanding of the science of reading for struggling readers has had a great impact on the literacy intervention at our school. We have been able to use the professional learnings provided by Read3 to implement best teaching in the classroom as well as in intervention.

Impact on clinical practice

Speech Pathologist participants were asked to comment on the impact Read3 has had on literacy intervention within their clinic. The response to this open-ended question saw considerable spontaneous feedback in relation to reduced prep time, increased parent involvement, and continuity amongst clinicians. 

Here's little of what they had to say: 

It has provided a clear structure to follow, addressing a wide variety of aspects related to literacy. It has been great for early speech pathologists still getting to understand literacy. It is easy to discuss with parents.

It has provided a "grab and go" program that has reduced planning/prep time for therapists, while facilitating meaningful and effective literacy intervention for our clients. I have observed specific improvement with clients who have been historically resistant to literacy intervention.

Read3 has made my literacy intervention easier both in planning and in sharing activities with parents. Most of the clients enjoy working through the activities and very little additional motivation is needed to ensure they stay on task.

Read3 has had a dramatic change on my practice. It has helped my clients who had difficulty with other literacy programs find a way to improve their reading and writing skills. 

 

Comments on student outcomes: 

The depth of response to our open ended questions was truly heartening. We have included a handful of comments relating to student outcomes below: 

The biggest change I have noticed for my clients is in their confidence and motivation. These Tier 3 students have years of struggle behind them, despite everyone’s best efforts and the use of evidence-based reading programmes. The first time I tried Read3 with a 'non-responder', the look on his face when he was able to fluently read all the words using the Word Maker activity was priceless. Suddenly he realised this approach was working for him and that reading won't always feel like such an effortful struggle.
(Speech Pathologist)

I've seen an increase in confidence as activities allow for small steps of success. My clients are very used to ‘failing’ in school based literacy activities and therefore their confidence is severely impacted. Read3 is changing their view on their abilities and growing their confidence to try!
(Speech Pathologist)

Most of my clients have gone from little to no phonological awareness and nil ability to write letters or to blend two sounds together, to reading and writing words and sentences. This has increased their confidence significantly.
(Speech Pathologist)

For a number of the students Read3 has been life changing! Our students who have accessed the program for the past 18 months and are now in Year 2 are closing the gap, one is even now reading age appropriate texts!!! The key is to intervene early and hold the course as the change will take time.
(Read3 School)

Teachers running the program, as well as the classroom teachers, have seen a huge impact in most of the students with regards to letters and sounds, phonological awareness and confidence. The students love coming to their Read3 sessions and love the games and the engaging activities!
(Read3 School)

The letter and sound knowledge of the high needs students I'm working with has improved dramatically. I've used an embedded picture mnemonic alphabet in the past, but what sets the Easy Alphabet apart is that the pictures are instructive not only of the letter sound, but the letter formation.
(Read3 School)

My students absolutely love the games and their concentration and accuracy greatly increases because they are so thoroughly engaged.... The games also help to build positive and supportive relationships between the students. They are always thrilled to come and work with me because they know it's going to be fun! I've seen all of my students blossom with confidence; even though some of them are still in the very early stages of the program they can see their progress, There are so many opportunities to have small wins with Read3 that there's an achievement in every single lesson we can celebrate.
(Read3 School)

We wish to thank everyone who took part in this survey for their considered responses. 🙏 We have read each and every answer in detail and will draw on your comments as we continue to shape the program and direction of Read3.  

If you are not yet using Read3 or the Easy Alphabet, but are interested in learning more, please book a call - we're here to help.