Offers guidelines in such areas as reading readiness, use of tests, organizational patterns, and the goals of reading instruction, as well as counseling principals on what they can do personally to improve a school's reading program. (IRT)

Offers an answer from Marie Clay and Barbara Watson concerning training for the Reading Recovery program. Provides a list of training sites available for interested readers. (MG)

Examines the issue of problem solving and reasoning in relationship to reading. Claims that reading programs are effective vehicles for enhancing reasoning skills. Explores how reading programs can develop higher order thinking, and considers a way to present stories which uncovers the reasoning process through a problem-solution framework. (MM)

Describes the Metacomprehension Strategy Index, a multiple-choice questionnaire, and its supporting validity and reliability data. Discusses how teachers can use and interpret this information to evaluate middle and upper elementary students' knowledge of strategic reading processes. (MG)

In this practitioners' guide, a recognized reading expert explains how educators, parents, and concerned citizens can spot ineffective reading programs that may hide under the "scientifically-based" banner. Although the term "whole language" is not commonly used today, programs based on its premises remain popular. These…

In this paper, I describe characteristics of programs developed for adolescents who are struggling with literacy. The paper references both a chart I developed to compare and contrast those characteristics and a review guide I created to help schools make principled decisions when choosing programs for use with their students. The chart and the…

Based on the premise that a school reading program must focus on the learner and the text, this guidebook is designed to serve as a resource for school districts, groups, or individuals involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating reading programs. The guidebook is divided into two phases. Phase 1, "Guidelines for Developing and…

The article describes the Direct Instruction Skills Plan, a comprehensive plan for direct and text-related reading skill instruction which places skill instruction prior to text reading. Steps include anticipatory set, objective and input, modeling, purpose setting and guided application, independent practice, checking for understanding, real-life…

Argues for the consideration of five major components that must be addressed within each local school or school system: 1) curriculum; 2) methodology; 3) organization; 4) administration; and 5) staff development. Emphasizes the support and active involvement of the local superintendent of education in this reading improvement process. (RAE)

An ongoing, interdisciplinary reading program for students in grades 7-10 in Perris Union High School District (California) is described. Initiated in 1979 as a result of low reading scores, the program divides all incoming seventh grade students into homogeneous groups. In the first 6 weeks of school these new groups meet once a day for 50…

Reviews several studies which support the success of a literature-based approach to literacy with various types of students (limited English speakers, developmental readers, remedial readers, etc.). Describes several common elements found in different literature-based programs, including the use of natural text, reading aloud, and sustained silent…

Libraries need to reach out to teens and enhance their skills in serving the teenage population. Through the Louisiana Young Adult Services program, it is hoped that all staff working with young adults will be reached to accomplish the following: (1) promote a better understanding of the psychology of this age group; (2) increase skills in…

This manual contains information on understanding the nature of young adults and developing a young adult service philosophy for a library. Ideas are provided for programs, activities, and workshops; and ready-to-use book talks and publicity materials are included, along with bibliographies for young adult collection development. The introductory…

This book addresses the problems of reading and the teaching of reading in the United States, where 43% of children test below grade level in reading and 42 million adults are functionally illiterate. The book contends that both the whole language approach and phonics are not viable methods of teaching reading and explains why. It argues that the…

The articles in this publication focus on various concerns of college reading instructors. The topics of the twenty-four articles include (1) study strategies, (2) a fundamental skills initiative of the Navy, (3) special methods of teaching cursive handwriting to alleviate the writing problems of older beginners, (4) motivational techniques for…