In the "Handbook of Research on New Literacies," editors Julie Coiro, Michele Knobel, Colin Lankshear, and Donald J. Leu have compiled a set of papers representing the most comprehensive discussion to date of research and theoretical perspectives in this emerging field. The editors selected authors who are making important forays into our…

Adds content bias to the other criteria (content validity, transfer potential, amount of reinforcement, quality instructional language, and adaptability/flexibility) discussed previously in this column. Reviews seven literature resource materials to present a full set of criteria for evaluating them and to share new materials. (MG)

Reviews the full set of criteria to measure instructional resources. Reviews six new resources on comprehension materials that are appropriate for classroom use. (MG)

Reviews the revised edition of the Test of Reading Comprehension (TORC). Finds the test to be an interesting and unique approach to the assessment of reading comprehension. Notes that the test is consistent with current philosophies related to the nature of reading comprehension. (RS)

Discusses curtailing the misuse and misinterpretation of standardized tests, and suggests ways to improve existing tests while reviewing the Test of Early Reading Ability-2, Tests of Reading Comprehension, and Effective Reading Tests. (MG)

Reviews four books that deal with reading comprehension, phonics in a whole-language classroom, children's books for mathematics learning, and using nonfiction trade books. (SR)

Reviews "The Nature of Vocabulary Acquisition" by Margaret G. McKeown and Mary E. Curtis. Focuses on three questions involving vocabulary acquisition: (1) What does it mean to know the meaning of a word?; (2) How does knowledge about word meanings develop?; and (3) What is the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and comprehension? (MM)

Reviews the recently released Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test, Third Edition. Identifies the test as one which is widely used by school systems to measure students' reading progress in instructional settings. (MG)

Reviews a computer software program, "Mastering German Grammar," for teaching and reinforcing a comprehensive range of grammar topics. It is noted that the program is a no-frills, user-friendly personal tutor with easy to locate and call up grammar topics. (CK)

Annotates and reviews five professional resources concerning the comprehension processes of reading and mathematics and recommends several ideas for classroom practice. (MG)

Presents six key questions to ask about any instructional resource. Suggests a few specific questions to ask when selecting decoding and comprehension games and manipulatives. Presents seven instructional games and manipulatives appropriate for classroom use. (MG)

Intended as a comprehensive review of study guides, this monograph combines a discussion of why and how study guides help students comprehend text with a focus on the most effective ways to use these guides in the classroom. The publication is designed to help teachers decide when and how to use these comprehension aids. The monograph presents an…

Recent research and program development in the areas of metacognition and related teaching and learning strategies is the subject of this issue of the newsletter. The lead article reviews reasons for the current interest in cognition and metacognition, clarifies the concepts of cognitive and metacognitive strategy instruction, and describes key…

Describes children's books available on CD-ROM that can be read using Apple Macintosh computers. Literacy problems with adults and children are discussed, the use of Discis books to encourage reading and improve understanding is described, first- and second-language learning is discussed, and a list of currently available titles is provided. (LRW)

Evaluates the effectiveness of the Sack-Yourman Developmental Speed Reading Course software program designed to increase reading rate and comprehension. Finds the software program effective in allowing students to quickly move from "chore" operations and didactic sections to "real" reading. Offers specific recommendations for…