In the past 2 decades, researchers (often working closely with parents, teachers, and other school staff members) have conducted studies that have substantially increased understanding how to effectively teach children and adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) to read. This research focus has been fueled by increased societal expectations…

This study explored, with both experimental and correlational designs, the roles of (a) authentic, communicatively functional reading and writing and (b) the explicit explanation of genre function and features on growth in genre-specific reading and writing abilities of children in grades two and three. The genres used for this exploration were…

This guide is intended to help people with intellectual disabilities, their friends, family members, and support workers evaluate and choose a literacy program that includes people who have differences. A brief introduction points out that, in Canada, all citizens have the right to an education and cites Article 15 of the Canadian Charter of…

Using historical and contemporary perspectives, the paper argues that reading is a malleable social practice with identifiable moral and ideological consequences. A model that defines reading in contemporary social life through four interconnected roles is presented. The importance of critical reading in everyday life is illustrated through…

In order to give attention to the varied backgrounds and experiences of individuals entering adult basic education classes, a change from the established preselected program is suggested. This new approach would center around the assessment of a student's level of development in essential reading skills, particularly of word-attack skills. Such a…

Through the Jefferson County Adult Reading Project, 293 students functioning at a 3.9 reading level and below attended reading classes. Test results demonstrated the growth in educational advancement while retention rates and growing enrollment showed other measures of success in the project components. The Word Identification, Word Attack, and…

Through the 1979-80 Jefferson County Adult Reading Project, 508 students functioning at a 5.9 reading level and below attended reading classes. Test results demonstrated the growth in educational advancement while retention rates and growing enrollment showed other measures of success in the project components. Recruitment techniques used were…

This guide for literacy tutors and educators provides basic information about people labeled as having an intellectual disability, along with practical teaching strategies and tips on designing inclusive literacy programs. It also raises questions to challenge assumptions and encourage program re-examination. The first four short chapters discuss…

This guide for literacy program managers and coordinators provides basic information about people labeled as having an intellectual disability and offers practical teaching strategies and tips on designing inclusive literacy programs. It also raises questions to encourage re-examination of programs. The first four short chapters are on: making the…

Many secondary and postsecondary basic skills programs are designed to assist students whose ability to succeed in traditional subject matter instruction is in question. Research done in business, industry, and particularly in the military provides procedures that may increase the likelihood of success in such programs. Analyses of on-the-job…

The materials in this teaching guide represent the third quarter of a community college program designed to teach paraprofessionals how to tutor in an adult literacy program. Techniques for teaching reading and English as a second language are included. Lesson plans for five classes cover the informal reading inventory, review and practice in the…

This report recommends that an annual report be made to the citizens of Florida about the state of literacy in Florida. The concept of literacy is defined in terms of levels of literacy and basic skills required to achieve the different levels. A review of the literature on literacy is the basis for three suggested levels of literacy: (1)…

This curriculum offers an eclectic, multisensorial, holistic, and flexible approach to reading. Sections I and II are an introduction and information on using the curriculum. Section III offers strategies for working with adults. Section IV describes means of formal and informal assessment of the learner. Section V presents an overview of ways…

This guide is intended to assist teachers and volunteer tutors who are teaching adults and teenagers to read. The nature and extent of the adult illiteracy problem and the process of learning to read are discussed in the first chapter. The characteristics that are desirable in basic reading tutors and those that are encountered in adult learners…