Investigates whether a general or specific working memory (WM) system is related to writing and whether individual differences in reading and/or processing efficiency underlie correlations between WM and writing. Indicates that WM measures contribute variance to writing, and WM performance improves under gain conditions--this enhanced efficiency…

Two experiments showed increased use of orthographic rime correspondence in nonword reading tasks from second to fourth grade, with no further increase from fourth to sixth grade. The use of orthographic rime correspondences in reading ambiguous non-words was more strongly associated with word-level reading skills than was the use of…

Reports on changes in reading skills of students for the period 1970-90; the progress made by 9- and 14-year-old students in 1990; and the efficiency of reading pedagogy in United States schools compared with efficiencies in other leading industrial countries. Finds that reading progress in the United States is the worst among leading industrial…

Teachers in Highland Park, Michigan, conducted research and began an interactive reading-instruction program for students who were not succeeding in school. Reciprocal teaching, which trains students to use four strategies (generating questions, summarizing, clarifying, and predicting) for improving reading comprehension, raised hopes,…

This study examined the effectiveness of a modified and comprehensive version of the "Open Court Reading Curriculum" with two groups of children with emotional and/or behavior disorders. Results showed moderate gains in reading achievement but no changes in observed problem behaviors. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Describes 2 points of view about the relationship between oral-language and literacy skills: The phonological sensitivity approach posits that vocabulary provides the basis for phonological sensitivity, which then is the key language ability supporting reading, and the comprehensive language approach posits that varied language skills interact…

Studied the existence of optimal classes (classes in which students reach maximal individual achievement with little difference in outcomes within the class) in two German samples from a reading literacy study, representing more than 270 classes of eighth graders. Findings show different proportions of optimal classes in the five basic German…

Studied how four aspects of quality instruction (quantity of assignments, coherence of instruction, student voice in curricular and pedagogical issues, and content of instruction) affect growth in reading achievement from grades 8 to 12. Findings for 8,157 students show the influence of some of these aspects. (SLD)

Examines the effects of a literacy intervention in kindergarten using a control-group design. States that three treatment groups were taught using beginning-reading booklets to complement the authorized language program. Indicates that children's knowledge of early literacy concepts increased during kindergarten and that this improved students'…

States that reading incentives have not been critically examined as to their effectiveness in promoting positive attitudes toward reading, more frequent reading, or increased proficiency. Examines available evidence on the effect of reading incentives in school and library programs for students. Concludes there is no clear causal relationship…

Explored how children's literacy skills and resources at the start of kindergarten relate to their reading and mathematics achievement at the end of kindergarten and the start of first grade. Data are from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999 (National Center for Education Statistics). Findings show that children…

Analyzes pre- and post-test measures of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) of oral reading fluency and reading comprehension collected from a sample of middle school students in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the computer-based Reading Plus and Guided Reading program. Obtains significant differences in discrepancy ratios from pre- to…

Examines the effectiveness of phonemic awareness drills on phonological awareness and word reading performance in English of Mainland Chinese students in primary school. Notes findings strongly support the statement that explicit instruction in phonemic awareness promoted phonological awareness and word reading in English of Chinese primary school…

Highlights the methodological issues surrounding research on reading in atypical populations and discusses the issue of comparison groups. Reviews evidence from studies that have described the reading profile observed in Williams syndrome. Advocates a more dynamic developmental approach to the study of reading in atypical populations. (PM)

Attempts to address, on behalf of the teacher of reading, some pedagogically significant aspects of metacognition. Tests the effect of using Metacognitive Awareness Guidance (MCAG) in reading assessment tasks given to nine-year-old Israeli pupils. Notes teachers' reactions related to four aspects: use of self-talk, use of metacognitive learning…