This innovative and practical kit, put together by two well-known specialists in the field of early literacy, contains everything storytime presenters for children from birth to age five and their parents or caregivers need to spread the word about school readiness skills to adult caregivers. The kit includes: (1) An accessible handbook with a…

Examines the benefits of descriptive and predictive models of reading. Argues that the choice of reading model influences the outcome of reading research. (MM)

Provides a chart to be used with the Dale-Chall Readability Formula to simplify computation of readability level. (MKM)

Suggests using yearbooks of the National Society for the Study of Education (NSSE) to get an historical perspective on the discipline. Includes a classification scheme of the yearbooks according to subjects and authors. (TJ)

Argues that literacy inquiry has often been less effective than it should be. Recommends pragmatism as a restorative tonic for the field. Offers 3 dimensions for researchers to use in reexamining with whom they do research; to reflect on selecting problems for inquiry; and to reconsider how research traditions and methodologies are defined and…

This paper describes the Harris-Jacobson Readability Formula A, a revision of a readability formula based on word lists from "Basic Elementary Reading Vocabularies." Section one of the paper discusses procedures for using the formula, including the selection of samples, scoring the variables, and applying the formula. The next section…

Notes the current popularity of qualitative research in the field of reading, tells how the techniques of participant observation and interviewing are used by qualitative researchers, and offers suggestions for conducting qualitative research. (GT)

Notes that federal officials stress that educators should not overlook key elements in reading instruction (phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension), even with the No Child Left Behind Act's emphasis on phonics. Discusses how families play a critical role in reading instruction. (SG)

Considers how the RTEACHER electronic mailing list thrust professional discussions of literacy education into an electronic dimension with global connections and instantaneous exchanges. Notes that the RTEACHER listserv gave reading teachers an electronic platform for voicing their perspectives on political maneuvers that aimed the National…

Notes that many phonological terms are found in contemporary literature on reading, and some inconsistencies are apparent in how they are used and understood. Presents definitions of many of these important words and several dozen related terms (for a total of 51 terms). Emphasizes the historical and conceptual links between similar terms, because…

Discusses how the National Reading Panel (NRP) report has become the basis for the push for research-based reading instruction as well as the source of a great deal of controversy and debate. Summarizes the NRP report and responds to 10 myths that have arisen in the hopes of clarification. Concludes that it would be best if educators and…

Since research conclusions derived from inappropriate statistical methodologies can lack accuracy, the article describes a technique appropriate to the heterogeneity of special needs groups in which subjects are assigned to fairly homogeneous subgroups. The technique is related to research in reading with this population. (DB)

If a principal's goal is to improve the overall quality of reading instruction in his school, this guide can help him identify the most critical changes that must be made. It describes the types of instruction and leadership activities necessary to help all children become proficient readers in elementary school. It does not contain all the…

Discusses how research into the psychology of reading has been characterized by an emphasis on correspondence theories of truth rather than coherence, an emphasis on analytic reductionism rather than holism, an emphasis on probabilistic prediction, the search for robust-process explanations, and a concern for consilience. Presents some thoughts on…

Describes and examines the taxonomic linguistic system, a multi-level classification of language. Notes that this system not only formed the basis for all reading instruction, but also influenced reading research. Argues that this system should be replaced by one less simplistic and more realistic. (MM)