Development and Utilization of Decodable ESD-SDG-Based Books in Enhancing Reading Literacy and Values Formation among Street Children Using the ADDIE Model

Abstract

Despite global efforts to promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), early literacy instruction remains deficient in integrating these concepts, particularly for marginalized groups such as street children. The lack of instructional materials tailored to their unique needs highlights a critical research gap. This study addresses this gap by developing and utilizing decodable ESD-SDG-based books to enhance reading literacy and values formation among street children using the ADDIE model. This study embeds sustainability principles into structured literacy interventions for marginalized group. Specifically, the study aims to design and develop decodable books integrating ESD-SDG principles, implement decodable books in literacy programs, and assess their effectiveness in improving reading proficiency and values formation. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, utilizing pre-and post-tests to measure phonemic awareness, word recognition, and reading comprehension and a survey was conducted to assess values formation. The intervention was implemented in police stations where street children participated in structured literacy sessions every Saturday. Findings revealed significant improvements in reading proficiency, as struggling and frustration-level readers were completely eliminated, with 60% progressing to instructional readers and 40% achieving independent reading status, alongside enhanced values formation in respect for others, responsibility and environmental awareness, social responsibility and kindness, and perseverance and hard work.  The study advances literacy innovations by integrating print-based decodable books and fostering inclusive education among marginalized groups while reinforcing values formation. The study recommends a multi-sectoral collaboration to scale up sustainability-focused literacy programs for underserved communities.