When it comes to our children’s education, every investment needs to demonstrate clear returns. It’s a necessary evil of educational funding allocation, especially when budgets are tight. (And when aren’t they?)
If you’re considering a book reward system for your school, you can probably tell that the ROI would extend far beyond traditional metrics.
Translating that into the language a school administrator, PTA, or principal speaks? Not such an easy sell.
Let's explore how a book system delivers value across multiple dimensions of educational success, so you can clearly convey that to even the most skeptical decision-maker.
Many school and district leaders care about students like you do. However, they often need more data and social proof. Here are ways you can show them the value of a reading rewards program:
Chronic absenteeism among K-12 students increased by 15% from 2018 to 2022, now affecting 22% of students. Common reasons for absences include mental health issues, bullying, and unwelcoming school environments.
Chronic absenteeism negatively impacts:
Addressing chronic absenteeism requires a comprehensive approach, including mentorship and mental health support.
Schools implementing reading rewards as part of their attendance incentive programs report significant improvements in chronic absenteeism rates.
The rewards system can seamlessly integrate with existing Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) frameworks, providing tangible rewards that encourage consistent attendance and positive behavior. This direct correlation between rewards and attendance can help schools meet state-mandated attendance targets and associated funding requirements.
Research consistently shows that home libraries are crucial for sustained literacy development. By putting books directly into students' hands and homes, schools create a compound effect on reading proficiency scores. Each book a student takes home represents multiple reading opportunities.
Did you know that while some schools in North Carolina are excelling in reading proficiency, a significant number of students are still struggling? With 39% of fourth graders scoring below the "basic" achievement level in reading, it's clear we need innovative solutions to bridge this gap.
One example is Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine at Vanceboro Farm Life Elementary School! This unique initiative rewards students for mastering skills in their reading programs, allowing them to choose from a diverse selection of free books.
First-grade teacher Haley Dail shares how this program fosters a love for reading, but also creates a supportive atmosphere for students to thrive. Check out how these initiatives are making a difference in literacy rates and nurturing lifelong readers!
Read more about this inspiring story and how you can implement similar programs in your school: Addressing Literacy Challenges
Partners including Atmos Energy, Kiwanis Club, and the Charlotte Hornets, have discovered that sponsoring book-based rewards programs generates substantial community goodwill and media coverage. Schools can leverage these installations for positive PR opportunities, including ribbon-cutting ceremonies that attract local media attention and strengthen community bonds.
Many reading rewards systems require minimal administrative overhead. For example, take a vending machine-based system:
Even better, you’re solving a variety of issues with your investment. One system serves multiple strategic initiatives:
Statistical proof is great. Social statistical proof is even better.
Take the Bookworm machine as an example. With over 8,500 installations across four countries, the data speaks for itself.
Are sheer numbers not enough to loosen the tight purse strings of your administrators? Share these stirring individual outcomes from current users:
As shared by San Jacinto PTO President Amy S.: "We purchased a book vending machine at the end of last year with our Read A Thon fundraising dollars. Loved it so much we purchased a second one!"
This testimonial demonstrates both the initial success and the scalable impact of the investment.
Principal Casie C. notes: "User friendly ordering and delivery process and beautiful product... Looks GREAT in our front office and rewards kids with books!"
The visual impact and ease of implementation provide immediate returns on the investment through enhanced school atmosphere and simplified administration.
A reading rewards program doesn’t have to be a one-time shot in the arm. It can bring a sustainable impact to your school’s literacy and behavioral metrics.
Each book distributed represents:
A well-executed program, in a way, becomes part of the school’s branding. For example, the Bookworm machine's presence delivers ongoing benefits:
Some book machine manufacturers offer post-sale support that further ensures maximum ROI:
When evaluating the ROI of a book-based incentive program, look for these key factors:
For Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine, the investment extends far beyond the initial purchase. It's an investment in student success, school culture, and community engagement that continues to deliver returns year after year.
Did this answer your questions? Are you confident in your ability to present a book rewards program to decision-makers at your school? We hope so! But questions always arise. Contact us to discuss implementation strategies and custom solutions for your specific needs.