Background: A cost-effective method to address reading delays is to use computer-assisted learning, but these techniques are not always effective. Methods: We evaluated a commercially available computer system that uses visual mnemonics, in a randomised controlled trial with 78 English-speaking children (mean age 7 years) who their schools…

Presents a discussion paper reflecting on the National Literacy Strategy (NLS) after one year of operation. Argues that once the NLS becomes established it will be necessary for all teachers to engage with the research literature so that they teach from a position of professional understanding of the processes involved in reading and writing…

Describes pilot research that informed the early stages of development of the Catch Up Programme, a literacy intervention designed for children who are behind with reading at the start of Year 3 (7- to 8-year-olds). Finds a considerable increase in pupils' reading ages across a 10-week period. Finds similar results in another small study. (RS)

During the summer vacation children who are economically disadvantaged experience declines in reading achievement, while middle- and high-income children improve. Previous research has demonstrated that the most widely implemented intervention -- sending economically disadvantaged students to summer school -- has not led to increases in reading…

Reports on the initial implementation of the Success For All (SFA) reading/school improvement program in inner city primary schools in Nottingham, England. Finds students made as much progress in one term in reading as they would normally make in one year; and their motivation, behavior, attitude to and skills in learning also increased. (RS)