Bridging the Literacy Gaps: Examining the Impact of the Morphoread Intervention on the Reading Achievement of Children From Low SES Backgrounds

Abstract

This study examined an intervention program designed to enhance reading comprehension among struggling readers from low socioeconomic backgrounds by improving their understanding of word structure and meaning. Delivered by college education students, the program targeted second-grade students. Change scores in morphological awareness (MA), reading, spelling measures, and reading motivation were compared among the intervention group, a school-based support group, and typical readers. Results showed academic improvements across all groups. Differences were noted in MA and reading measures, with both struggling reader groups showing higher improvement in word reading tests than typical readers. The intervention group outperformed the school-based group in orthographic word recognition, reading comprehension, spelling, and MA. No significant differences were found in reading motivation change scores. However, the intervention group showed better overall improvement in reading and language measures and self-concept as a reader. Findings highlight the importance of MA in enhancing lexical representations and reading acquisition.

Keywords

reading morphological awareness Hebrew intervention second grade

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