A project of hope: Lindamood-Bell center in a school project final evaluation report

Burke, C., Howard, L., & Evangelou, T. (2005). A project of hope: Lindamood-Bell center in a school project final evaluation report. San Diego, CA: SANDAG. https://www.sandag.org/uploads/publicationid/publicationid_1130_3953.pdf

In September 2002, a literacy program for juvenile male wards was implemented in San Diego County through a partnership between the Juvenile Court, the County Office of Education, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Probation Department. Many youth under Probation supervision read below their appropriate grade level and this deficit can have long-lasting effects on their later  chances for success. This final evaluation report describes the Lindamood-Bell® Center in a School™  (CIS) project, outlines the research methodology, and presents research findings from the process  and impact evaluations that were completed by the San Diego Association of Governments  (SANDAG).  

As part of the project, 198 adjudicated juvenile males received program services. Many of these  youth entered the program below grade level, had a history of truancy problems, and had a  negative view toward school. Through the CIS™ project, participants received approximately 89  hours of intensive, specialized, literacy services. Positive outcomes measured through standardized  tests and record searches revealed that participants achieved significant gains in their decoding and  comprehensive skills, were doing better in school, and were slightly less likely to have contact with  the juvenile justice system. Some of the challenges associated with the project related to short commitment times, working with youth who had multiple needs, and lack of aftercare services.