Levels of comprehension skills in the reading of literary works are identified and represented in a set of questions comprising an informal reading inventory. Literal and inferential levels of comprehension are explained, and ground rules for developing a set of inventory questions are presented for use. (DF)

Two techniques classroom teachers can use to screen students' ability to read and understand their text are described. The Cloze Placement Inventory and Group Reading Inventory are recommended for testing groups of students in various subjects in grades four through college. (Author/DS)

A study with 77 preservice teachers found that, in a reading methods course, students trained to use informal reading inventory concepts and procedures with a systematic cooperative learning approach performed better than those taught with direct instruction. In addition, the former group perceived lectures, group work, and feedback as effective.…

This document presents diagnostic and prescriptive techniques that will enable teachers to enhance secondary school students' learning through reading in content areas. Three terms used in the document are defined in Section I: "vocabulary skills" include word attack skills, sight word skills, and word meanings; "comprehension skills" are literal,…

Reflecting the diverse philosophies and experiences of clinicians and practitioners, this book presents 30 essays that address the identification of reading strengths and weaknesses, assessment, and instructional strategies for remediation. Chapters in the book are (1) "The Role of Vision in Reading Disability" (Lois B. Bing); (2) "Problems with…

Although grounded in theory and research, this book is a practical text that specifies how to assess students and how to use assessment results to provide effective instruction for low achieving readers and writers. Forty sample lessons, described in step-by-step fashion, cover virtually every major skill or strategy. The emphasis is on teaching…

This learning module, one of a series of 127 performance-based teacher education learning packages focusing on specific professional competencies of vocational teachers, deals with the task of assisting students in achieving basic reading skills. Addressed in the individual learning experiences included in the module are the following topics: the…

This guide is designed as a training tool for volunteers participating in the Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Learners (VITAL) program. Developed by the staff at the Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington, Indiana, VITAL is an adult literacy program that is based on active cooperation between program trainers and volunteer tutors. Various…

This book is a systematic exploration of literacy programs for adults with developmental disabilities. The following are among the topics discussed: issues in adult literacy (multicultural issues, combining literacy instruction with transition, and assessment of adult literacy); the developmental basis for adult literacy education (postformal…