Developing Middle School Readers: an Examination of the Influence of Reading Incentive Programs and Activities - a View from the Elementary School

The intent of this study was: (a) to determine if there was a relationship between reading activities used in elementary school and reading success in middle school;(b) to describe relationships between specific reading activities and positive student attitudes about reading;(c) to examine the relationship between specific reading activities and students' high scores on the state reading test;(d) to investigate the role of attitude toward reading using the Estes Scale to measure attitude toward reading. The results concluded:(a) reading programs and activities that students are exposed to in elementary school may not correlate with high scores on a standardized reading test;(b) high scores on a standardized reading test may not correlate positively with a positive attitude about reading;(c) although there is no specific program that will guarantee high scores on a standardized reading test, schools should consider a combination of reading programs and activities.