Research has firmly established the correlation between time spent reading and reading achievement (Allington, 2014; Cunningham & Stanovich, 1998; Krashen, 2004 and 2011). It should be noted that Independent reading is an essential component of a broader English Language Arts curriculum that includes direct instruction and practice of core reading skills (Allington, 2014; Calkins, 2001; Gardiner, 2005).

Research indicates that all students can learn mathematics when they have access to high-quality mathematics instruction and are given sufficient time and support to master a challenging curriculum (Burris, Heubert, & Levin, 2006; Campbell, 1995; Education Trust, 2005; Griffin, Case, & Siegler, 1994; Knapp et al., 1995; Silver & Stein, 1996; Slavin & Lake, 2008; Usiskin, 2007).