Concludes that, of several reading readiness factors, knowledge of alphabet letter names is the best predictor of phonics skills other than vowel recognition and of reading abilities involving words in insolation, and that number knowledge is the best predictor of reading abilities involving words and syntax. (FL)

Suggests that knowledge of relational structures in combination with techniques for determining the meaning of unknown lexical terms assists Black disabled readers in improving their reading performance. (FL)

A comparison of the effects of educational counseling of parents of backward readers with the effects of specialized remedial help for such readers suggests that an interested, well-informed staff who can enlist the positive cooperation of parents can substantially reduce the problem of reading failure without elaborate specialized provisions. (GT)

Examines the effects upon reading achievement of increasing time-on-task in underachieving children. (HOD)

Compares the Bond and Tinker, and the Harris reading expectancy formulas, using 113 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Finds that the use of both formulas is desirable in clinical situations, but that the Harris formula is preferable if gains on standardized tests are the only criteria of success. (RL)

One hundred seventy-five college students were tested to determine the relationship among locus of control, student preference, and teaching procedures. Results showed that external locus of control students preferred hardware as instructional devices and that such devices improved their reading rates, while internal locus of control students…

Using verse choir increases students' confidence and helps them appreciate the joy of literature. (HOD)

Examined the nature and extent of the school principal's role in affecting student learning. Found no direct effects from the principal's instructional leadership, but did find an indirect influence on overall school effectiveness through actions that shape the school's learning environment. (ET)

Examined children's mathematical competencies between ages 7 and 9. Found no differences in developmental rate between children with math difficulties only (MD), math and reading difficulties (MD-RD), reading difficulties only (RD), and normal math/reading achievement (NA). Found that at end of Grade 3, MD group performed better than MD-RD group…

Explores factors accounting for the success of poor readers (college students) tutoring other poor readers (elementary school students). Finds that using texts that gradually and repetitively introduced high-frequency vocabulary and engaging children in direct letter-sound instruction were important. Finds that scaffolding of reading and writing…

Examines teachers' beliefs and attitudes as their school district moved toward mandated and standardized literacy portfolio assessment. Notes that the three teachers value informal classroom portfolio assessment. Presents teachers' concerns as their district begins the process of mandated and standardized portfolio assessment. Notes that the…

Describes how two low-achieving, high-poverty school districts raised the test scores of their students. The El Centro school district's inquiry-science approach raised elementary science test scores, as well as mathematics and reading scores. Twin Falls improved test scores by adopting the Standardized Timed Curriculum, which involved components…

Contends that there is no literacy crisis in the United States. Notes that research on college-level proficient readers has indicated that reading educators are doing a better job of educating students to become mature readers and that even at the elementary level the news is better than most people realize. Suggests that the conception of reading…

Compares kindergarten instructional programs of three groups of at-risk children. Partitions groups based on their first-grade reading performance. Finds that children in the most successful reader group came from kindergarten classrooms in which more time was spent in phoneme awareness, spelling, and writing activities, and that the average and…

This longitudinal study followed reading progress in 208 children with language impairments (either specific or nonspecific) compared to normal and low IQ controls from kindergarten through fourth grade. Children with language impairment in kindergarten, especially nonspecific language impairment, were at high risk of reading disabilities in…