All elements of the frameworks were selected because of their substantial support in the research literature. The frameworks represent best practices in literacy learning. Participants assist in the collection of data that are used to document program success and individual student gains. It is a primary focus of CELL and ExLL research to analyze and report data generated by individual participating schools and districts. This research focus is a more reliable predictor of the likely impact of CELL and ExLL training on achievement in a particular school than a set of aggregated data from all CELL and ExLL participants.
Specific focus is given to the standardized test scores of each participating school.
In addition to the language arts test results, content area scores are also monitored to determine the impact of increased literacy learning on achievement in mathematics and other subject matter. In addition, as soon as possible after the opening of school, approximately six children chosen at random from each classroom, are individually assessed, using various measures as a pretest. The posttest for this same group is completed in the last three weeks of school. This procedure is used to monitor specific learning in a group of focus children at each grade level. The primary goal of California Early Literacy Learning and Extended Literacy Learning is to increase the literacy achievement of children.