Prompted by concern that the State of New Jersey driver's manual was too difficult for many low-skilled readers to read and comprehend, a study was conducted in which chapter 6 of the driver's manual was rewritten, lowering its readability level from grade 8 to grade 6. It was hypothesized that significant differences in comprehension would result…

To devise a list of functional sight vocabulary words, a search was made of numerous curriculum guides and books, school district curricula, and several commercial materials purporting to teach such words. This search provided 16 word lists with a total of 466 different words and symbols. The word lists ranged from as few as five words to as many…

Advocates encouraging parents who are illiterate or semiliterate to make use of practices that do not require literacy skills, but that will support their children in becoming successful readers. Suggests many activities that will help both children and parents develop literacy skills, such as tutoring and discussing television shows. (SKC)

Intended to assist underachieving high school pupils in improving their reading and communication skills, the Secondary Developmental Reading Program in the Columbus, Ohio Public Schools, emphasized literacy survival skills and reached 809 pupils in grades 9 and 10 in 13 senior high schools during the 1986-87 school year. The program used…

Describes an unsuccessful attempt at teaching a well-motivated adult non-reader to read. Details different approaches that were tried, such as the sight method, auditory methods, tactile methods. Suggests ways to avoid reading failure in adults, such as checking for disabilities, and getting to know the student. (SKC)

The 1986-87 Compensatory Language Experiences and Reading Program (CLEAR) of the Columbus, Ohio Public Schools was implemented to provide assistance to selected underachieving pupils in grades one through eight so that they might attain more fully their potential for and improvement in language and reading skills. The program featured individual…