The usefulness of the Structure of Intellect Learning Abilities Test for predicting reading and arithmetic achievement of elementary school pupils as measured by the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills was investigated using regression analyses. The Structure of Intellect test performed generally as predicted. (Author/JKS)

Instructional time, especially time on task, appears to have a positive relationship to academic achievement. (MKM)

Reading comprehension and vocabulary scores, and verbal and nonverbal IQ were significantly related to both simultaneous and successive processing ability in fourth grade Canadian boys. High levels of both types of processing ability are necessary for high achievement; high levels of one type only will result in moderate achievement. (Author/GDC)

Construct validity of Survey of Reading Attitudes was investigated through a principal-factor analysis of the 88 items comprising the scale, along with measures of scholastic aptitude and reading skills (vocabulary and comprehension). Sample included 600 students selected so that 200 were obtained from each of the three intermediate grades.…

Twenty-one variables from the Texas Teacher Effectiveness Project Coding System were factor analyzed for morning whole class data, afternoon whole class data, and reading group data. Resulting factor scores were correlated with achievement gains. Although significant correlations were few, differences existed between lower and higher social status…

The direct and indirect effects of neighborhood characteristics on school-level reading achievement were investigated via path analysis in this study. Race, family structure, income, and neighborhood density were among the variables investigated. (Author/JKS)

Suggests sources of information on minimum competencies and minimal competency testing, including publications and conference proceedings, policy statements from professional organizations, and resource lists available from various organizations. (MKM)

Good readers and poor readers (aged 7, 9, and 11) responded to stimuli matchable by physical similarity (e.g., A-A) or by name (e.g., A-a). The lack of a significant age or reading competence interaction with the type of match was interpreted as an inability of the poor reader to reduce required visual processing through anticipation. (Author/CP)

Explores some ways in which teachers can direct the efforts of parents so that children gain the best possible advantage in learning to read. (Author)

Responds to an article by S. Alan Cohen on oral language deficiency and its relation to reading failure, and concludes that reading achievement and reading failure are largely determined by cognitive and communicative strategies that may be socialized differently in diverse social and ethnic groups. (JM)

The influence of the Athens (Georgia) Tutorial Program upon the academic achievement of 256 low socioeconomic students in grades 3-8 was studied. The study covered a 3-year period. Results showed the positive impact of the program, but accurate evaluation was not possible because complete records were not available. (JAZ)

Concludes that the test has a well-designed reading booklet and a carefully constructed manual, but that it has a narrow applicability. (FL)

Upper-elementary behavior disordered (BD) students served as reverse-role tutors in two studies. In Study 1, BD tutors (N=10) and nonhandicapped first-grade tutees performed significantly better on reading achievement than controls, while self-esteem remained constant. In Study 2, gifted peers (N=30) had more positive attitudes toward their 10 BD…

Suggests ways a teacher who is interested in performing Piagetian testing might persuade a principal of the validity of the tests, and offers insight into the connection between cognitive development and reading achievement. (JC)