This guide for district and school leaders shows how to recognize opportunities to embed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) into planned policies or programs. Opportunistic RCTs can generate strong evidence for informing education decisions--with minimal added cost and disruption. The guide also outlines the key steps to conduct RCTs and responds…

This guide is designed to facilitate self-studies of planning and implementation of state-required summer reading camp programs for grade 3 students who scored at the lowest level on the state reading assessment. It provides a template for data collection and guiding questions for discussion that may improve instruction and increase the number of…

Presents the Quality Reading Program Questionnaire, which has been used in more than 100 school districts to evaluate or improve existing reading programs. (Author/WD)

The Curriculum and Instructional Projects Team at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) developed "Guidelines for Reviewing a Reading Program" ("Guidelines") to assist reviewers in determining if a program is consistent with the scientific research on reading. Based on that work, the Center on Instruction Reading Strand developed this…

Offers a broad overview of the developmental reading program at Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana. Discusses the unwritten and written course goals, the administration of the reading program, and four aspects of the organization (courses, conferences, evaluation, and use of support services). (MS)

In this manual, project directors of the Intensive Reading Instructional Teams (IRIT) program in Hartford, Connecticut, public schools, are provided with suggestions for evaluating compensatory programs such as the IRIT. Three models for basic Title I evaluation are discussed and compared: a norm-referenced model, a control group design, and a…

One of a series of educational packages designed for implementation either in a workshop atmosphere or through individual study, this Hot Topic guide on reading program evaluation presents a variety of materials to assist educators in designing and implementing classroom projects and activities centering on the topic of evaluating the progress of…

Intended to translate the content of the 1985 report "Becoming a Nation of Readers" into particular points that all groups can look for in their schools, this checklist consists of 30 questions to help a school or school system assess its strengths and weaknesses. The 30 questions evaluate the categories of philosophy, curriculum…

This handbook is designed to assist those who administer kindergarten reading programs. Although its primary focus is upon the role of the principal, the handbook also contains ideas for kindergarten teachers. The first chapter provides background information about the place of reading in the kindergarten and offers some insights into various…

Suggests that the acronym "SCIENCE" may be used as a guide to evaluating seven factors that should be promoted by a reading program: success, curiosity, interest, enthusiasm, nurture, challenge, and enjoyment. (MKM)

Intended for teachers, administrators, school board members, or parents, the standards presented in this booklet may be used both as a guide in constructing a total reading program and as a guide for examining an already existing program. Following an introduction, the ten standards are outlined, then presented in greater detail, along with the…

The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the language experience approach and the basal reader approach to reading instruction for hearing impaired students. Suggestions are offered to parents regarding evaluating the effectiveness of their child's reading program. (CL)

This guide is an evaluation that can help one answer relevant questions about improving a reading or language arts program such as: Are there changes that need to be made? Is a stronger commitment needed to strengths identified in the program? and Are specific resources needed to make it more successful? The manual points out that if an improved…

Intended for reading teachers, supervisors, and administrators, this guide can be used to develop a parental involvement program. The book first presents a preprogram survey, an informal assessment of attitudes and skills that are important in parent programs. Chapter 1 contains the parent reading engagement profile, which includes guidelines and…

This handbook was developed to provide educators with a process to aid them in reviewing the reading curriculum in the local school. The handbook provides checklists and other methods to help teachers formulate a philosophy of and rationale for reading instruction; develop developmental, recreational, and functional student outcomes; develop a…