Presents a review of approved states' proposed Reading First implementation plans. Notes the International Reading Association had three major areas of concern relating to the application process: selection of curriculum materials, selection of assessments, and determination of eligible professional development providers. Finds that interviews…

Notes that classroom assessment of literacy is dominated by methods more appropriate to external mandates. Suggests an alternative method grounded in the teacher's professional judgment and in the relations between curriculum, instruction, and assessment. (FL)

Suggests that the lack of coherence between remedial programs and regular classrooms impedes the progress of students with reading difficulties. Provides an outline for an instructional program in which classroom and specialist teachers collaborate to provide the learner with coherent and balanced instruction. (ARH)

Shares the collaboration of the authors in the development of a reading/writing, literature-based curriculum. Uses "Sesame Street" print materials to connect home and school. (MG)

Outlines an approach for moving staff, parents, and children toward an emergent literacy perspective. Discusses how to (1) lay the foundation for new policy directions; (2) assess the literacy environment; (3) plan for essential experiences; (4) attend to skill development and program objectives; and (5) reassess emergent literacy programs. (MM)

The current accountability movement has focused on academic achievement but has circumvented issues of motivation and authentic reading materials. Many educators have challenged this direction of the reading curriculum, particularly criticizing the narrowing of the curriculum, the continued focus of teaching to the tests, the overemphasis on…