This is one of a series of reports that document the formative research that supported the development of the "First Steps" program designed to improve the literacy and numeracy of primary school students in Western Australia, particularly those considered at-risk. The four themes of First Steps (reading, writing, spelling, and oral language) are organized around a development continuum of milestones along the child's path to literacy. This interim report presents preliminary findings from two tests administered to First Steps students as the first part of a time series study. The main aim of this report is to examine the impact of First Steps on the reading and writing ability of Year 5 students while taking into account the effect of socioeconomic status background. Reading comprehension data were available from 665 year-5 students in 31 classes in 19 schools, and writing ability data came from 736 students. There was evidence that First Steps is making a difference in the reading ability of students, with suggestions that the effect of First Steps seems stronger for children of low socioeconomic status background. Results from the writing exercise suggest that First Steps is having a positive effect on the writing ability of children regardless of their socioeconomic status. Eight appendixes present statistical information, details about the reading and writing tests, and further descriptions of analyses procedures. (Contains 19 exhibits and 3 references.) (SLD)