There is now compelling evidence that children's early vocabulary development is essential to their long-term reading comprehension. Findings from experimental studies have indicated that vocabulary knowledge influences the development of conceptual knowledge and comprehension, suggesting a causal relationship among these fundamental language…

Presents results of a survey to determine the characteristics, organizational patterns, instructional methods, and current trends in university reading clinics in the United States. (FL)

A study examined the skills taught in college reading programs and who teaches them. Questionnaires were returned from 105 colleges and universities across the United States. The data collected were analyzed to show the frequency of response, and the results indicated that (1) reading was taught primarily by persons with master's degrees or…

Concludes that remediation often consists of students completing skill lessons in workbooks with the teacher serving as manager, that most remedial activities are not congruent with classroom tasks, and that remedial students generally receive no additional instructional time to acquire reading behaviors. (FL)

Studies the middle level reading programs in the midwestern states to determine which areas received the most emphasis within five separate categories: instruction, approach, comprehension, materials, and activities. Finds that typical midwestern reading programs focus primarily on developmental instruction, emphasize a traditional skills approach…

This report presents the findings from the Instructional Dimensions Study (IDS). The IDS examined the relationship between selected program characteristics such as instructional setting, time, content, and individualized instructional practices, and program effectiveness. Specifically, it assessed the effects of these program characteristics on…

Examines whether children taught in literacy program classrooms make greater progress in reading during their first two years of formal schooling than children in classrooms not involved in the literacy program. Finds that children in the literacy program classrooms made more reading progress in both the Reception year and Year 1. (CMK)

Reports on a survey used to evaluate the secondary school reading program in Polk County, Florida. (DF)

Following a discussion of the characteristics of an ideal reading program, this paper presents a comparative analysis of two reading programs--one a teacher-created tradebook program and one a commercially prepared basal reader program--and measures them against the ideal. The paper analyzes the programs in terms of the following characteristics:…

A study was conducted to test the hypothesis that first grade children with a full-day kindergarten experience would achieve higher scores on the Tests for Analysis and Placement (TAP) Level 2 (Readiness) Basic than those children with half-day experience. Subjects were 19 first grade students who completed the TAP on two consecutive days. In…

The basis for this report is an assessment by teachers, administrators, students and parents on how well Oregon's fourth graders are reading. The project was specifically designed to reflect concerns and goals which Oregon citizens regarded as relevant to their children's education. The first section of this report discusses the background of the…

Describes a minimal training program designed to improve the reading skills of adults in the business world. Concludes that the program had a significant effect of the vocabulary development, comprehension, and reading rates of the participants. (FL)

This report contains a description of a statewide study that was undertaken to gather, from all relevant groups of professionals and lay representatives, statements of elements thought to be critical to the operation of successful Title I reading programs. Following an introductory chapter, three chapters provide information about the design of…

Describes a 10-week reading program that paired students and parents as reading partners. Concludes that the program was successful because the children's reading scores improved measurably and parents felt the program was worthwhile. (SRT)

Concludes that reading clinics run by colleges offer services to the community as well as for training students in diagnosis and remediation and that their services, fees, and clients vary. (FL)