The development of a model for criterion-referenced mastery reading comprehension tests for university courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) is designed. In the process of developing this model, two major issues were addressed: clarification of the concept of "criteria" within criterion-referenced testing and choice of the…

A literature based reading program was developed to improve reading comprehension skills of 14 students in a Chapter 1 pre-first grade class. Instead of using a basal reader for instruction, the students were exposed to trade or literature books, The reading strategies that were pre- and posttested were recognition of a sight vocabulary,…

This paper describes a comprehensive first grade language curriculum which views the acquisition of literacy as a whole language process. The paper explains how to configure program elements to provide direct instruction, time-on-task, and self-directed learning. The manner, timing, method of instruction, and specifics of the contribution of each…

A study tested a questioning technique for teaching critical thinking strategies in a class with student-selected reading materials. Teacher modeling, class discussion, writing, and reading were connected in the process. The pre-test and posttest included student-generated questions and character sketches. Quality of the pre- and posttest…

The design and testing of an approach to reading instruction are described. The design system consists of five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. A needs analysis indicated the necessity to improve the reading skills of limited-English-proficient students. A group of 6- to 8-year-old students were identified for…

Developed for kindergarten through grade 3, this curriculum guide suggests activities to satisfy the Florida state requirement on law education. Activities are to be infused into the curriculum where appropriate for reading and social studies. Suggested lessons concern family law, are grouped according to grade level, and include student goals and…

The 1989-90 Compensatory Language Experiences and Reading-Recovery (CLEAR-RR) Program of the Columbus, Ohio Public Schools was implemented to provide early intervention to 514 underachieving first-grade pupils who appeared unlikely to learn to read successfully without intensive instruction. Specially trained teachers provided one-on-one half-hour…

Intended for use by secondary school teachers in all subject areas, this booklet provides practical information, classroom activities and strategies for the instructor who wants to incorporate reading instruction into a particular content area. Following an introductory chapter that emphasizes the need for reading skills in contemporary society…

A study examined the changing role and status of the elementary school teacher as projected in the teachers' guides that accompany reading textbooks. Twelve fifth-grade teachers' guides for each decade since 1920 were analyzed by scrutinizing every sixth chapter, story, or lesson for (1) physical characteristics, (2) testing components, (3) number…

Because of its ability to record and represent process, the computer can provide a powerful, motivating, and as yet untapped tool for focusing the students' attention directly on their own thought processes and learning through reflection. Properly abstracted and structured, the computational medium can capture the processes by which a novice or…

To help college reading teachers develop an awareness of what standardized reading tests do and do not reveal about students' reading abilities, a study examined the testing of reading and criticized four major standardized tests. Results indicated that reading is tested through (1) reading passages accompanied by multiple choice questions, (2)…

To improve the reading skills of students with low academic achievement, the Children's Art Carnival (CAC) Reading Program provided 321 children in grades 2-5 with art and reading activities and assistance with behavioral and emotional problems. Analyses of pretests and posttests focused on students' academic achievement and attendance and staff…

The use of multicultural literature in school reading programs can enhance the regular reading program by providing students with an awareness for other cultures, and by making a contribution to overall competence in all areas of language arts and in reading comprehension. When schools use literature that reflects only mainstream majority values,…

Kentucky is one of twenty-four states that rely upon a state adoption process for selecting school textbooks, a procedure that occurs every six years. Publishers' bids are solicited and evaluated by the State Textbook Commission, and the Textbook Selection Criteria Committee for Reading makes recommendations that will be of help to people…

Focusing on the personality of the reading disabled child, this booklet is designed to encourage researchers to move past the circular debate concerning student reading difficulties and to help teachers improve the reading performance of students with disabling stress reactions to reading. The first section examines research related to emotional…