National Lexile Study: Achieve3000 Literacy 2017-2018

The study examines the Achieve3000 Literacy program, which aims to improve literacy skills for students in Grades 2–12. The program was implemented across diverse settings, including public schools in all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories, encompassing urban, suburban, and rural districts. The sample included 1,208,884 students from 6,142 schools and 1,271 districts during the 2017–2018 school year.

Researchers analyzed Lexile growth using pre-test and post-test LevelSet assessments, and also compared actual versus expected Lexile growth. Students were grouped by implementation fidelity, categorized as ""Highest Quantity, High Quality"" or ""High Quantity, High Quality,"" based on the number of lessons completed and average first-try scores (AFTS). Outcomes focused on Lexile growth and college and career readiness proficiency levels.

Results showed statistically significant positive effects. On average, students gained 100L, exceeding the expected growth of 70L. Those with the highest fidelity of use demonstrated Lexile gains of 245L, more than three times the expected growth. English learners and students receiving special education services achieved gains of 275L and 250L, respectively, with p-values < 0.001. Advanced readers and struggling readers also showed accelerated growth, with advanced elementary students gaining up to 235L. The study highlights the program’s ability to support literacy development across varied learner profiles and settings.