Because gifted readers have instructional needs that vary greatly from the norm, curriculum planners and teachers should make plans for the gifted that are different from those for other pupils. An instructional program for gifted readers should (1) have a strong content and value emphasis, (2) group students so as to allow the gifted to relate in…

Studies by the Exemplary Center for Reading Instruction and others reveal that teacher characteristics account for beginning readers' performance more than do program characteristics. To be most successful in acquiring reading skills, pupils need teachers who provide enough time for practice in skills, who can prompt (model, demonstrate) the…

Educators, recognizing the role of the home in preparing a child for reading and in fostering reading growth, have organized outreach programs to systematically utilize home influence. However, thoughtful planning is needed if these programs are to make the most of family involvement. Consideration of who, what, when, where, and how provides a…

This paper gives college reading instructors a four-part prescription to ensure the continued success of their college reading programs: Dispel the myth of remediation that separates college reading programs from traditional academic departments. Define and articulate a philosophy for reading instruction at the college level. Expand college…

The third of eight related documents, this booklet is part of a series of papers presented at the 1978 National Right to Read Conference examining issues and problems in literacy. In its examination of the relationship between literacy and career development, the booklet first defines the components of basic literacy and of career development and…

Research suggests that some of the problems faced by reluctant readers may stem from an emphasis on evaluation that precedes real instruction. At a southeastern university, the reading education program attempts to adhere to a particular sequence of methodology for working with children to prevent reading anxiety: teaching, application, practice,…

A secondary school reading program initiated at Manhattan (Kansas) High School and involving the efforts of teachers, students, administrators, members of the board of education, and faculty members of Kansas State University is described in this paper. The first section of the paper provides background information about the program, which…

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that first grade children with a full-day kindergarten experience would achieve higher scores on the Tests for Analysis and Placement (TAP) Level 2 (Readiness) Basic than those children with half-day experience. Subjects were 19 first grade students who completed the TAP on two consecutive days. In…

Noting that the popular press and other media have purveyed much information and misinformation about the status of adult literacy in the United States, this paper focuses upon what is known about literacy levels and gives special attention to changes in literacy demands and to what is currently being done to meet those demands. The first section…

The fourth of eight related documents, this booklet is part of a series of papers presented at the 1978 National Right to Read Conference examining issues and problems in literacy. In an examination of the role of private business in efforts to increase literacy, each of the three papers in this booklet discusses a specific program sponsored and…

Project IRIS (Improving Reading Instruction School-Wide) is one school district's effort to improve reading instruction. The project's first three years have produced median reading gains of one year or more per student per year. Although the most important aspect of Project IRIS is school-wide commitment to improving reading instruction, other…

A strategy for decision making in the design of reading instruction is suggested in this paper. Decision categories, or "junctures," are anticipated, and a set of principles is developed as a guide to selection and sequencing of program tactics. Included in the discussion is an analysis of the problems inherent in decision making, an examination…

"Language Skills in English," a three-year project designed to explore the application of mastery learning techniques to solve the reading and writing problems of secondary school students in Scotland, is discussed in this paper. Background information provided in the first section of the paper concerns the context of the project, its…

Noting the importance of a relaxed atmosphere, the availability of all kinds of reading materials, and an unpressured, out-in-the-open approach to measuring student progress, this paper describes the activities and resources that constitute a successful high school reading program. The discussion focuses on the types of books, diagnosis,…

Intended for instructors and administrators setting up a college reading and study skills program, this paper presents eight issues that should be carefully considered when developing a program structure that will suit the needs and framework of each institution. Discussions, resolutions, and rationale are provided for the following issues: (1)…