Describes an inner-city parent involvement program based on research showing that when parents provide extra reading instruction at home their children's reading performance improves. Reports on an evaluation of the program that showed significant reading achievement gains for children enrolled in it. (FL)

Highlights a National Assessment of Educational Progress study indicating that in the 1970s academic gains in reading by some low achievers was offset by declines in science and math skills of high achievers. Additional results related to reading, science, and mathematics are also highlighted and discussed. (JN)

Task performance of 35 first graders was analyzed in relation to their third-grade reading and arithmetic test scores. The visual-auditory task, requiring the child to select the correct auditory representation of a visually presented consonant-vowel-consonant, accounted for 48 percent of the variance in third-grade reading scores. (Author/PN)

Eight highly structured fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms were compared with seven less structured classrooms with respect to the degree to which teachers', classmates', and self ratings of ability to read were in agreement. It was suggested that classroom structures may effect perceptions of ability. (CTM)

A study of adolescents in Hong Kong suggested that parents' behavior toward their children did affect children's achievement in reading and other verbal skills. A more democratic style of child rearing correlated with the development of good reading abilities. (MKM)

Results of a study conducted with first-grade Mexican American children indicate that direct reading instruction to precise behavioral objectives is more effective than teaching to Mexican American children's supposed "cultural learning styles" as recommended by Manuel Ramirez and Alfredo Castaneda in 1974. (GT)

Described are five approaches to teaching reading: Language Experience, Modified Alphabet, Linguistic, Programmed, and Basal. It is suggested that a good teacher, well trained, certified in his or her profession, an active participant in professional organizations, can teach reading successfully using almost any approach. (KC)

Notes that to be considered literate in the age of information demands functional, academic, critical, and technological skills. Contends that technology must become an integral part of English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Describes how to use the Internet as part of a sustained content-based pedagogy to develop ESL students' literacy…

Describes a program in the Kansas City (Missouri) school district for seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students with reading scores significantly below grade level. Presents findings that the program resulted in gains in basic skills, attendance, and reading comprehension. (MW)

Describes an alternative method of placing students in reading groups which reduces reliance on achievement tests, yet remains manageable enough for large groups of students. Describes the six formal and informal measures used in placement: achievement test scores, IQ scores, attitude scores, current placement, grade in reading, and teacher…

Topics addressed by seven articles on public library service include: videotape collection development; the effects of a new main library on circulation and other performance indicators; planning for a branch library; staff development; reading achievement by elementary students; development of children's programing guidelines; and the role of the…

A study of 683 first graders in Baltimore (Maryland) examined the effects of the amount of children's kindergarten experience on first-grade performance. It appears that kindergarten contributes more to cognitive improvement rather than socialization. (TJH)

Describes study conducted in England, Scotland, and Wales based on a national sample of 11-year-olds that investigated the relationship between large verbal and non-verbal differences in ability and underachievement in mathematics and reading. Sex differences are also examined and further research needs are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Results of studies of 238 Australian children of differing socioeconomic status in preschool and at the end of first grade are consistent with the view that socioeconomic status differences in word-level reading achievement are mediated partly through preexisting differences in phonological sensitivity. (SLD)

Examined the relationship between Spanish reading achievement and native-language academic performance in mathematics, social studies, and science among limited-English-proficient Mexican Americans and limited- and fluent-Spanish-proficient students in a maintenance bilingual education program. Moderately high, positive, and significant…