Barnstable High School Library Summer Reading Evaluation Project

Project: This study investigates effects of a web-based summer reading program on the reading behaviors and attitudes of adolescents.

Method:The study took place in an American high school, grades nine through twelve. A purposive random sample of 286 students and eleven teachers ensured representation of students from each of three ability groupings. Data were collected through student surveys and teacher interviews.

Results: Findings show that students expressed satisfaction with the program, but it did not meet the needs of low achieving students. Boys read less, but read more non-fiction than girls. Mixed responses from teachers point to the need for consensus about the purpose of a summer reading program.