This manual describes the Arizona Right to Read Needs Assessment Package, which is designed to assist individual schools in evaluating their current reading program, personnel, and achievement. The package contains an introduction followed by a summary of techniques of assessing student performance, a description of current reading programs and…

The Oregon criteria of excellence for quality community reading programs include criteria for the following: (1) staffing, preparation, and inservice training for personnel; (2) organization and management; (3) maintenance and dissemination of materials and information; (4) diagnosis and prescription; (5) the developmental reading program; (6)…

Societal trends and related pressures on children have generated a greater need for school support of independent reading, which can help students develop lifetime literacy and prevent school failure and dropping out. Providing opportunities for free reading during the school day is a qualitative way of filling a literacy gap for children.…