An inductive assessment model for developing individualized instructional programs for special needs students is reviewed, followed by a discussion of how computer programs can help teachers solve logistical and technical problems of inductive assessment models and how expert systems can provide instructional advice. Expert systems for…

Discusses the development and implementation of an instructional unit that applies selected whole language strategies to teach reading and writing in the beginning stages of literacy in French. The unit shows how an authentic folktale can be used for integrating topics from the elementary curriculum to form a second-language curriculum for an…

Briefly reports on five out-of-school-studies and three in-school studies showing the value of free voluntary reading (FVR). The failure of direct reading instruction and its implications for developing reading skills, the components of a free reading program, and the role of writing are discussed. (34 references) (KRN)

Describes a cooperative program between York College (CUNY) and Public School 95Q in Jamaica, New York. Discusses how the preservice teachers work with elementary students in art, music, and reading instruction. Asserts that the program stimulate real-world readiness for the future teacher. (CFR)

A series of classroom instructional exercises to be used before, during, and after reading materials from the French press are described. The exercises are designed to develop a variety of reading strategies, and focus on format, construction, content, meaning, and vocabulary. Both reading and writing activities are included. (MSE)

Seventeen students (ages 10-15) with moderate mental retardation were assessed on their ability to analyze orally presented sentences into words and words into syllables and phonemes. Subjects receiving code-emphasis reading instruction performed significantly better on more difficult phoneme manipulation tasks than did subjects receiving…

The apprenticeship model can be adapted to teaching and learning cognitive skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, as illustrated by three successful examples. A cognitive apprenticeship framework is presented for the design of learning environments incorporating content taught, pedagogical methods, sequencing of learning activities, and…

This review of 20 years of literature on sight word instruction for individuals with handicaps examines effectiveness data for procedures teaching word recognition and comprehension. Covered are "errorless procedures," prompt elimination, stimulus fading, time delay, easy to hard discrimination, and trial and error with feedback. Two tables…

The application of learning styles to the teaching of reading to students with reading disabilities is critiqued in light of four factors: (1) inability to adequately assess learning styles; (2) failure to acknowledge the necessity of phonics instruction for beginning readers; (3) failure to consider the nature of reading disabilities; and (4)…

Describes one teacher's experiences with helping seventh graders become lifelong readers. Discusses the importance of reading aloud to students and how reading, listening, and discussing can help improve writing through the use of reading journals. (MG)

Study investigated which teacher activities related to differences in kindergarten students' reading performance. Teacher observation and fall and spring tests of reading performance indicated that what happened in the classrooms, rather than length of school day, determined children's reading ability at the end of kindergarten. (SM)

Describes an approach to college developmental reading using topics chosen by students. Students develop skills including researching, reading for main ideas, outlining, summarizing, and critical thinking in gathering information and gaining understanding of the topic. Suggests that when studying a topic of their choosing, students maintain more…

A patient with chronic agrammatic Broca's aphasia exhibited deep dyslexia and was treated with functional reorganization of the phonetic route of reading, with the patient learning consciously to control formerly automatic behaviors. The patient's responses indicated that the phonetic route encompasses at least two dissociable functions:…

Evaluations of IBM's Writing to Read program for kindergartners and first graders are reviewed. The 21 kindergarten studies evidenced a median effect size of 0.23; however, in many cases this effect may be a result of comparisons with nonacademic programs. Across 13 first grade studies, the median effect size was 0.00. (TJH)

Participant observations of 15 special education classrooms in 3 linguistically diverse high schools revealed that printed materials used were written in English, academically oriented, and used by students and teachers in a teacher-to-student or student-working-alone interactional structure. English was used to talk about the materials.…