In this article, we report on a cross-age peer learning program, the Martha's True Stories Reading Buddies program, focused on supporting the vocabulary and comprehension of multilingual learners and their peers in elementary school. We describe the principles of the program and provide information about our evaluation of the program. Then, we…

This article describes a reading comprehension program adopted at J. E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School in Salt Lake City, Utah. The program is called SHARE: Students Helping Achieve Reading Excellence, and involves seventh and eighth grade students teaching first and second graders reading comprehension strategies learned in middle school…

This program, included in "Effective Reading Programs...," serves 750 first-through third-grade students from 14 elementary schools. The program is designed to teach letter names, consonant and vowel sounds, sight words, and decoding skills to students who have deficiencies in basic reading skills. The basic elements of the model include…

This brochure describes a new series of Project Information Packages, a U.S. Office of Education response to the need for a systematic approach to disseminating exemplary projects. The packages describe procedures for developing the necessary administrative support and management framework, as well as instructional methods and techniques. The six…

This brochure provides an introduction and guide to using six individual project selection booklets related to a new series of Project Information Packages. The packages, produced in response to the need for a systematic approach to disseminating exemplary projects, describe procedures for developing the necessary administrative support and…

This program, included in "Effective Reading Programs...," serves more than 11,200 disadvantaged students in kindergarten through grade 6. The children live in an inner-city area and come from low-income families. The program is individualized and objectives based. The basic reading skills to be learned from readiness to grade 8 are…

Describes the Teens for Literacy project, in which teens come up with ideas to improve literacy in their schools. Notes that, in the nearly five years of the program, teens have developed a Big Brother/Big Sister reading program, selected and displayed posters in school corridors, developed videos promoting literacy, read with children, and…

Tutoring has long been recognized as superior to group instruction, especially for students with special needs. Tutors can adapt instruction to the learner's pace, learning style and level of understanding. Feedback and correction are immediate. Basic misunderstandings can be quickly identified and corrected. Tutoring also has emotional benefits:…

Offering suggestions on setting up and maintaining a cross-age reading program, this book describes teachers' experiences in establishing a cross-age reading program in a multiethnic, multilingual inner-city school in Oakland, California. The book notes that what began as an effort to engage one under-achieving fifth-grade boy evolved into an…

One of the programs included in "Effective Reading Programs...," this program serves over 3,100 first, second, and third grade, predominantly disadvantaged children. Approximately 2,000 junior high school students also participate in the program as cross-age tutors. Begun in 1972, the program focuses on reading and language development.…

Describes an innovative middle school program (called Family Reading) where a family-like atmosphere of attentiveness and helpfulness characterizes student interactions as they develop and practice strategies for reading aloud with younger children. Discusses children's literature and strategy learning and the family component of the project. (SR)

Describes a cross-age reading program used to refine and extend the whole language and process writing goals that are part of the school curriculum plan. Discusses the observation of students and evaluation strategies. (MG)

Describes the Reading Buddies program in which high school students tutor first graders at risk of failure in reading while receiving training provided by university professors. (SR)

Describes a reading intervention program that combined a modified enrichment program with cross-age tutoring and that resulted in significant gains in reading for both students and tutors. (SR)

Describes a cross-age reading program called Storymates, which connected school and home literacy experiences of 9-, 10-, and 11-year olds through storybook reading to younger siblings, relatives, and neighborhood friends. Discusses exploring story structure in the classroom; reading storybooks in school and at home; how retellings improved; and…