This study set out to accomplish two main goals: first, an assessment of how well micro-content modules improved students' critical reading abilities, and second, a look at students' attitudes and perspectives on incorporating micro-content modules into critical reading instruction. A quasi-experimental methodology was used to achieve these goals,…

This newsletter of best practices in implementing the High Schools That Work (HSTW), Making Middle Grades Work (MMGW) and Technology Centers That Work (TCTW) school improvement models is based on presentations at the 27th Annual HSTW Staff Development Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the summer of 2013. The newsletter is divided up into…

This training module provides participants with a theoretical overview of both process and skills of second-language reading, as well as practical classroom applications. Upon completion of the module, participants should be able to (a) differentiate between three categories of second-language readers, (b) explain developmental reading stages, (c)…

This teaching module is the first in a cluster which will familiarize participants with the most common methods and materials used in teaching reading in Spanish. Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to (a) describe at least two methods of teaching reading in Spanish, (b) apply the corresponding techniques of each of the…

This teaching module deals with reading readiness. Upon completion of the module, participants should be able to (a) assess readiness needs, (b) list the components of readiness, (c) devise a readiness program for individuals, and (d) determine special readiness needs of the dyslexic child. Participants complete a preassessment test and learning…

This teaching module presents a systematic development of phonic information and generalizations that are applicable to the decoding process. Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to (a) apply phonic information in decoding a list of words, and (b) identify specific phonic components. Participants complete a preassessment…

This teaching module concerns vocabulary as it relates to reading comprehension. Development of an extensive and accurate reading vocabulary is deemed essential for good comprehension. While most children have little trouble with concepts and vocabulary necessary for beginning reading (unless they speak a language which is not of the dominant…

The purpose of this teaching module is to examine materials and methods in the area of reading instruction. Upon completion of the module, participants should be able to (a) explain and give an example of a published program for seven approaches to beginning reading, (b) evaluate four published reading programs, and (c) state which approach they…

The introduction of this teaching module states that successful construction and implementation of a reading curriculum which meets and satisfies the growth potential of individual students depends on the teacher's ability to assess individual needs. The Individual Reading Inventory (IRI) provides a diagnostic framework for integrating and…

The introduction to this teaching module states that mounting research evidence supports the linguistic and academic benefits of early instruction through the vernacular, based on the premise that non-English speaking students who learn to read in the vernacular (and accelerate their conceptual development in their mother tongue as they learn…

A Think Box is a collection of independent activities based on one theme and housed in an easily transportable container. It is intended to be used as enrichment for students who have already completed their assigned work. The activities are designed to develop higher level skills such as critical thinking or creative reading. They can be part of…

The intent of this teaching module is to present structural word analysis information to participants so they can be effective teachers of reading. The module attempts to prepare participants to develop and utilize teacher-prepared materials dealing with structural analysis. Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to (a)…

Upon completion of this teaching module on reading, participants should be able to (a) define the process of reading, (b) define reading readiness, (c) describe the sight method of teaching, (d) list steps in the teaching of reading, (e) delineate one modification in an existing school reading program which can improve it, and (f) translate the…

This teaching module concerns acquisition of reading-study (i.e., work-type reading) skills in grades K-6. Such skills include locating information, evaluating material, organizing and summarizing data, returning essentials of what is read, and flexibility (adjusting rate to purpose). Upon completion of this module, participants should be able to…

Focusing on thinking skills, this guide, developed by the educators at the Emily Griffith Opportunity School, is designed to help employees to understand more and understand better what they read and to solve problems based on that understanding. The guide is designed for approximately 15-20 hours of instruction for low- to midlevel readers. It is…