Reports on available and forthcoming computer software packages for reading assessment, in the areas of informal reading inventories, comprehensive assessment packages for decoding, an open-ended test generation program, diagnostic simulation, and expert systems. Offers ideas for learning about assessment techniques. (SR)

Discusses using software along with a "textset" of two books related by theme and topic. Describes two examples that use the software's topic or theme to introduce students to a pair of books. Shows how connections between the software and the books become the impetus for off-line and on-line writing activities. (PRA)

Describes how software that is written or adapted for primary students can be included in each guided reading phase for Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" and Suzy Kline's "Horrible Harry in Room 2B." Notes available hardware platforms for each of the six pieces of software described. (MG)

Presented is an approach to using computers to meet the psychological, intellectual, and procedural needs of students with reading disabilities. A rationale is put forward for using "whole language" software packages to address these needs while facilitating reading and writing development; several software programs are described.…

Presents ideas for incorporating software into each guided reading phase for two realistic fiction books: Lois Lowry's "Anastasia on Her Own" and Barthe DeClements's "The Fourth Grade Wizards." Discusses how each skeletal plan uses three pieces of software to enliven students' oral and written thoughts about the books'…

Examines the effects of real-life reading software versus skill-based reading software on inner-city public school students. Finds that students using the real-life reading software felt significantly better than those using skill-based software about their work with the computer and themselves as readers and writers. (RS)

Uses teachers' initiatives in 3 content areas--social studies, science, and mathematics--to highlight how 13 software packages are and can be used to support instruction. (PRA)

Uses a thematic unit on Japan to show how software can become an additional resource for elementary students' literacy learning in social studies, science, language arts, and art. Notes that the five-week unit addresses Japan's culture and customs. (RS)

Computers can be used to teach reading to reading-disabled students in three modes: the tutor mode, tool mode, and tutee mode. The computer's ability to improve motivation and to provide versatility is examined. A vignette is presented of computer use in the instructional program of a reading-disabled nine-year-old. (Author/JDD)

Evaluates the effectiveness of the Sack-Yourman Developmental Speed Reading Course software program designed to increase reading rate and comprehension. Finds the software program effective in allowing students to quickly move from "chore" operations and didactic sections to "real" reading. Offers specific recommendations for…

Compares gains in reading rate and comprehension of students using traditional texts and those using a computer-based, commercially prepared, speed reading package. Offers recommendations for the use of computers in college reading courses, focusing on hardware/software needs and student/teacher responsibilities. (DMM)

Focusing on improving college students' reading efficiency, a study investigated whether a commercially-prepared computerized speed reading package, Speed Reader II, could be utilized as effectively as traditionally printed text. Subjects were 70 college freshmen from a college reading and rate improvement course with borderline scores on the…