Published research shows that English speakers gain literacy skills up to the 7-year level more effectively when taught using a language experience approach rather than a word reading approach (reading common words plus phonic reading). It is suggested that this is because of the almost unique nature of English phonology, that is the strengthening…

This report summarizes the results of three studies concerning the Reading Recovery or Descubriendo la Lectura program with first-grade California students. Studies were conducted using state-wide data obtained during 1993-94 programs to determine if the program was an effective intervention for children with difficulty in learning to read. The…

Describes a four-step language experience approach activity that is an effective aid in teaching Standard English language forms to dialect speakers while maintaining the integrity of the pupil's dialect. (FL)

Conducted in schools, separated into control and experimental groups by geography, size, and number of bilingual teachers, the study examined whether the: (1) language experience approach yielded higher scores on a reading attitude test, a standardized reading test in English and one translated into Spanish; (2) reading gains and school attendance…