Reviews the research on readability, suggests these findings as one basis for curriculum change, and summarizes some of the factors from this research that can make a test more readable. (MB)

Indicates that teachers who possessed theoretical and situational knowledge of reading were not more accurate than other teachers in estimating the readability levels of selected passages, and that the accuracy with which teachers estimated the readability levels of passages decreased as the readability levels of the passages increased. (FL)

Reports on a study in which passages from children's literature were prepared using cloze and presented to college and elementary school students. Reveals that neither group of students did well on the task. Questions the desirability of using cloze for matching readers to creative writing. (FL)

Reviews research on the average reading level in the United States, on how well the average American needs to read, and on what the average American can and does read. (MKM)

Cautions that weighting errors on an oral reading test in line with miscue analysis procedures can lead to inappropriate independent reading level placement. (MKM)

Describes the test, The Degrees of Reading Power, developed by the New York State Education Department for use as a formalized "informal reading inventory." (MKM)

A schools council study concludes that: secondary students are not being taught to read thoughtfully, texts and worksheets are too difficult, insufficient time is allotted to silent reading, and reading comprehension should not be taught as a discrete skill. The SRA Reading Laboratories are suggested as one tactic for improvement. (SJL)

A study assessed the reading ability of 50 clients at a rural Midwest women's health center and the readability of 10 of the clinic's health information materials. One in six women could not read all of the patient information, which could limit their understanding and achievement of good health care. Discusses implications for practice. (Contains…

Presents results of a study to determine the effect of type-size on the mathematical problem-solving achievement of first, second, and third graders (n=259). Analysis of variance indicated that no significant differences in achievement existed. Concludes that textbooks can utilize smaller type sizes on word problems. (MDH)

Reviews research in revising instructional text by examining multidisciplinary research in readability, text structure, text interestingness, expert revisers' strategies, and readers' comprehension strategies. Finds that much of this research is limited by a simplistic view of reading, the use of experimentally contrived texts and contexts, and a…

Effects on comprehension of a text structure used primarily in science and mathematics to present principles and associated proofs were studied for 70 undergraduates in 3 experiments. Results suggest that the usual proof-first structure is more difficult than a principle-first structure and results in less complete text representation. (SLD)

The effect of equations in scientific proofs on readers' comprehension was studied. Forty college undergraduates solved unfamiliar physics problems with or without a traditional series of related equations. Verbal proofs produced better responses than did equation-based proofs. Equations in proofs cause readers to shift attention away from…

Over 700 mathematical textbooks and monographs (especially in Polish) were studied to identify specific features of proof construction. Segmentation, delimiters, and procedure schemes were key items in analysis. Reading strategies used in other subject areas normally do not transfer successfully to mathematics. (PDD)

Clustered Construction Trades Reading Strategies is one of four instructional guides developed to assist teachers working with students considered disadvantaged because of reading deficiency. Section 1 concerns readability and gives procedures and guidelines for collecting samples. Section 2 briefly describes the Cloze procedure and its usefulness…

This book offers study strategies and techniques which were originally used in resource rooms for students with mild disabilities but are appropriate for all students, all content areas, and all educational levels. The book is structured around the acronym SMARTS for the six action steps or skills covered: (1) Studying, (2) Memorizing, (3) Active…