TextNow®
TextNow® is an innovative reader engagement programme that motivates young people to become more confident and able readers. The model is based on a structured programme of daily 20-minute reading sessions each weekday for a period of ten weeks supported by trained volunteer coaches, a starter library and an awards scheme. This regular and focused one-to-one support aims to encourage a young person’s interest in and enjoyment of reading to reduce the risk of long-term social exclusion.
The Impact of TextNow
In 2008-09, the first national TextNow pilot ran in 36 sites including schools, colleges, pupil referral units, youth offending teams, and other organisations that work with young people.
The evaluation demonstrated that the programme had impressive, statistically significant impacts on all aspects of reading engagement and achievement. Most significantly, the evaluation found average reading ages improved by 18 months in just 12 weeks.
There were also significant outcomes demonstrating that young people on the project enjoyed reading more, were reading more frequently and had branched out in terms of what they read.
To date, over 1000 young people have participated in the pilots of TextNow.
The Future for TextNow
Evaluation by Professor Greg Brooks has identified that, not only is the programme unique in its effectiveness, but it has wide applicability for young people with low levels of reading attainment and who are at risk of detachment from education.
We intend to expand TextNow across England and Wales and would like to thank the following organisations for their financial assistance in support of the delivery of TextNow:
- The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
- The Dulverton Trust
- The Equitable Charitable Trust
- The Garfield Weston Foundation
- The Coutts Charitable Trust
- The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
- The Drapers Company
- The Eranda Foundation.
If you are interested in running TextNow, please follow this link to express interest: Expression of Interest