This brief focuses on the word identification strategy component of the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) and reviews recent research showing the effectiveness of this strategy for secondary students with disabilities. The word identification strategy is intended to help struggling readers decode and identify unfamiliar words and is based on the…

Describes three theories supporting reading instruction--schema theory, the constructivist approach, and literary response theory--and offers best classroom practices that support these theories. Provides a sample lesson illustrating possible cross-curricular interactions, also considered a best practice. (EV)

Presents methods for reading supervisors in their role as instructional leaders, including: modeling instructional strategies and techniques, holding group meetings to discuss concerns and needs, encouraging attendance at reading conferences by paying for expenses, supervisor observation, and teacher self-evaluation. (RS)

This article discusses how to use scaffolding in reading instruction for children with different reading abilities, including children with disabilities in inclusive settings. Scaffolding is described and a scaffolding model (the Scaffolded Reading Experience) is illustrated. The article also suggests possible program components for prereading…

This article describes an approach to reading instruction in which teachers use principles of functional analysis to generate hypotheses for the causes of reading failure, which are then used to guide the selection and implementation of interventions. Five possible causes of reading difficulties are described, and each is accompanied by suggested…

Many schools expect teachers to act as curriculum clerks, carrying out decisions about subject matter and classroom management. A promising new metaphor for professional educators is that of teacher as explorer, the leader of an expedition into unfamiliar territory. The image of explorer changes the perspective on teaching goals and roles and…

This article reviews the evidence for balanced literacy instruction in the elementary years. The case is made that the balanced instructional model is particularly appropriate and beneficial for students who have initial difficulties in learning to read and write. Key features of successful reading instruction programs are described. (Contains…

This article demonstrates procedures for implementing curriculum-based measurement and Gickling's model of curriculum-based assessment concurrently in a comprehensive assessment and intervention system by discussing three case studies. The examples include addressing reading and mathematical difficulties in a general education classroom and…

Schools today are working harder than ever to help ensure that "all" children "can" learn and achieve high standards. Marti Richardson, a recognized leader in professional and curriculum development, delivers an innovative, classroom-tested program with planning tools to customize it for any school or district's data-based needs. Designed around a…

Intended as a response to the call for reform of education in the United States, this volume presents theories and practical examples school personnel can use in order to bring about change in reading programs. The articles and their authors are as follows: (1) "Characteristics of Exemplary Reading Programs" (S. Jay Samuels); (2)…

This curriculum framework provides a model for developing appropriate and meaningful language arts curricula for high ability learners in kindergarten through grade 8. It is intended as a guide to making decisions about traditional curricular emphases within the language arts areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as…

This book provides a rationale for, discussion, and extensive examples of curriculum-based assessments (CBA) for students with disabilities in the regular classroom, in the context of the collaborative consultation model. The model stresses the need for input from people with diverse expertise to generate creative solutions to mutually defined…

This text provides preservice and inservice teachers with comprehensive information regarding how children who are deaf learn to use language in face-to-face communication, reading, and writing. Individual chapters address the following topics: (1) acquisition of linguistic knowledge in the child who is deaf, language goals for classroom…