Great news about using chess to improve reading and math scores.
In a recent study by the University of Wisconsin, Chess Academy has been shown to be one of the tutoring providers with 4 years of high impact (statistically significant test gains) on both reading and math standardized test scores.
The link is here: http://thechessacademy.org/CPSChessAcademySESproviderimpacts2013.pdf (includes link to study).
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Very good numbers.
I believe chess can improve academic performance. However, it would be interesting to see some studies on the effect of chess960. Since chess960 requires more talent and original thinking due to constant unfamiliar positions would this lead to an even greater effect on academic performance? Or is academic performance largely like chess, just memorization!