Science Research Associates SRA Reading Lab

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Lynn Akers
School Site
Sierra Expeditionary Learning School
Sierra High School
Truckee River Program
Grant Category
Literacy
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

The Truckee River Program (TRP) is an alternative educational program within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) that serves youth in grades 8-12 who have been referred for various educational reasons. TRP aims for students' successful return to their home high school. The program offers A-G courses and robust social-emotional support, enabling students to earn a high school diploma.

The primary target population for this program includes students reading below grade level who are currently supported by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through Special Education services. TRP has a significant number of students who require intensive, research-based interventions to address foundational academic deficits, including in reading. Currently, 62.5% of students are on an IEP, and most, if not all, are reading below grade level. 

The SRA Reading Laboratory is a highly structured, individualized reading intervention program that uses a student-managed, independent work model. For TRP students, especially those with IEPs who are reading below grade level, the SRA program is designed to provide targeted, personalized support.

The SRA implementation for TRP students will primarily be run using a student-managed, independent work model. Students will progress through the Power Builders at their own pace and utilize the self-checking answer keys for immediate feedback and self-correction.

Staff will circulate to provide targeted support, monitor pacing, and conduct brief one-on-one checks, intervening precisely when a student needs help rather than teaching to the whole group.

Benefits of Program

Benefits of the program-

The Science Research Associates (SRA) Reading Lab program is designed to provide individualized and self-paced reading instruction. For the target population of students reading below grade level and supported by an IEP within the Truckee River Program (TRP), the benefits are numerous and directly address their specific academic needs:

Having a sustainable and independent reading program that is leveled to each student’s reading ability will have beneficial effects across multiple domains:

  • Individualized Instruction and Pacing: The SRA Reading Lab kits offer a collection of multi-leveled power builders (short reading passages) and corresponding comprehension exercises. This allows students to work at their own pace and reading level, ensuring that the material is neither too frustratingly difficult nor too simplistic. This personalized approach is crucial for Special Education students who often require targeted, differentiated instruction.
  • Targeted Skill Development: The structured format focuses on improving core reading skills: comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. As students complete the power builders and comprehension checks, they systematically build the foundational reading proficiency necessary to access grade-level content.
  • Increased Reading Motivation and Confidence: The self-checking, immediate feedback system inherent in the SRA program fosters a sense of accomplishment. Success in a non-judgmental, independent environment can significantly boost self-esteem and encourage struggling readers to engage more frequently with text, a vital step toward closing the achievement gap.
  • Independent Learning Skills: The program is designed to be largely student-managed after initial instruction. This promotes self-reliance and organizational skills, which are transferable assets for students transitioning back to a comprehensive high school setting.
  • Support for IEP Goals: The quantifiable progress tracked within the SRA kits (e.g., number of power builders completed, scores on comprehension checks) provides clear data for monitoring student growth toward reading-focused Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, making it a valuable tool for special education service delivery.
  • Improved Access to Core Curriculum: By strengthening foundational reading skills, students become better equipped to read and understand textbooks, assignments, and curriculum materials in their A-G courses, thereby increasing their chances of earning a diploma and successfully returning to their home high school.
Success of Program

The SRA Reading Laboratory programs have a strong track record of success, often cited in educational research for their effectiveness in improving reading skills, particularly for struggling readers and those needing intervention. For the target population at the Truckee River Program (TRP), the success will be measured by observable, quantifiable improvements in reading proficiency and academic engagement:

  • Measurable Reading Gain: Success will be primarily demonstrated by students showing measurable gains in reading comprehension and fluency as tracked through the SRA program's internal progress monitoring system. The completion rate of Power Builders with a mastery score (e.g., 80% or higher accuracy) will serve as a key metric.
  • IEP Goal Attainment: For students with an IEP, the success will be evidenced by the consistent progress toward, and ultimately the attainment of, their reading-specific IEP goals, utilizing the SRA program data as a primary source of evidence.
  • Increased Engagement in Core Curriculum: As reading skills improve, students are expected to demonstrate greater confidence and participation in their A-G courses. Success will be indirectly measured by an increase in on-time assignment completion, improved grades in content-area classes, and reduced need for intensive academic support outside of the program.
  • Student Self-Efficacy and Attendance: A successful outcome includes a visible boost in student self-esteem regarding reading. Furthermore, consistent, positive engagement in the TRP and the SRA program is anticipated to contribute to improved attendance rates and fewer behavioral incidents related to academic frustration.
Implementation

The SRA Reading Lab will be implemented in a structured, consistent manner to maximize student outcomes, integrating seamlessly into the TRP's existing academic and support framework.

Timeline of Implementation

Phase 1: Planning & Setup

Duration: 2 weeks (Post-Funding)

Key Activities: Purchase SRA Reading Lab kits and supplementary materials. Train Special Education staff and paraprofessionals on the SRA program structure, placement procedures, and progress monitoring system. Identify dedicated space/time for SRA use.

Phase 2: Student Placement & Launch

Duration: Week 1 of Program Use

Key Activities: Administer the SRA Reading Laboratory Placement Test to all participating students to accurately determine their starting kit level (e.g., Pink, Red, Blue, etc.). Introduce the self-management routines (e.g., checking work, recording progress) to students. Initial instruction on the process of working independently on the Power Builders.

Phase 3: Consistent Integration

Duration: Ongoing (Semester 1)

Key Activities: Schedule dedicated daily or near-daily time (e.g., 30 minutes) for students to work on SRA. Staff will circulate to provide targeted support, monitor pacing, and conduct brief one-on-one checks. Staff will collect and analyze data weekly to inform instruction and IEP updates.

Independent Work Model: The program will primarily be run using a student-managed, independent work model. Students will progress through the Power Builders at their own pace, utilizing the self-checking answer keys.

Phase 4: Monitoring and Review

Duration: Ongoing (Semester 2 & Beyond)

Key Activities: Regular review of student progress data (completion rate, accuracy scores) during weekly Special Education PLC meetings. Re-placement/level adjustment for students showing rapid mastery or persistent struggle. Integrate SRA data into quarterly IEP progress reporting.

Program Objectives:

  • Objective 1: 80% of participating students will demonstrate a measurable gain in reading comprehension and fluency, achieving a mastery score (80% accuracy or higher) on a minimum of 20 Power Builders within one school semester.
  • Objective 2: 90% of students on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) with reading-specific goals will show positive progress toward or attainment of their reading goals by the end of the school year, using SRA program data as primary evidence.
  • Objective 3: Increase student engagement in core curriculum classes, evidenced by a 15% reduction in incomplete assignments and a 10% improvement in content-area grades among participating students by the end of the school year.

 

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Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes, as a Resource Specialist teacher, I work across three different schools and will be implementing this program. Truckee River Program primarily, but the SRA Reading Lab kits can be used at Sierra Expeditionary Learning School and Sierra High School as needed, ensuring a wider impact on struggling readers across the district's alternative programs.

Sustainability
To ensure the long-term viability and continuation of the SRA Reading Lab program beyond the initial grant funding, the following measures will be taken:

Laminated/Durable Materials: The SRA Reading Laboratory kits are designed for repeated use. The Power Builders and Examiner keys are printed on durable card stock. Staff will be trained to monitor material condition and ensure students handle the self-checking materials carefully.
Staff Training Integration: Initial training will be provided to all relevant staff. Furthermore, a module on the SRA program will be integrated into the annual training for new Special Education staff and paraprofessionals, guaranteeing consistent, quality implementation regardless of staff turnover.
Data-Driven Continuation: Program effectiveness data (IEP goal attainment, measurable reading gains) will be routinely checked and used for student data.


Amount Funded
$2214.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$1647 - SRA Reading Laboratory 2b Kit (Updated ©2020), 1st Edition
$119 - Reading Lab 2b, Student Record Book (5-pack), Levels 2.5 - 8.0, 1st Edition x2
$76 - Reading Lab 2a, Teacher's Handbook, Levels 2.0 - 7.0, 1st Edition
$175 - Reading Laboratory 2B, Power Builders: Rose
Shipping
$136.20
Taxes
$60.34
Other funding sources

Classroom funds and Special Education Department funds to purchase any additional units not funded by this grant. 

Supporting Links
Reading Lab Overview
Intuitive print components enable
powerful, self-guided reading practice.
Power builders
Teacher's Handbook