Presents an in-depth description of one school's successful online mentoring program which is focused on middle school students reading below grade level. Discusses program specifics; role of college mentors; online discussions; test results; and results summary. Includes a sample calendar of assignments and samples of messages between student and…

Proposes that research has shown how attention to cultural mismatch may be a key to equitable school achievement. Presents a series of case study vignettes to assist practicing teachers with working with culturally and linguistically diverse at-risk students. Concludes that reading tasks must also be seen as social tasks. (PM)

Shares 16 insights about reading instruction which two professors gained from first-grade students when they left the university setting and returned to teach in public schools. (MG)

Argues against the development of national tests, standards, and curriculum. Proposes that standardized tests be replaced with assessment procedures that are compatible with a process-oriented curriculum. (MG)

Reports on what factors teachers say have influenced their beliefs and instructional practices concerning reading. Finds that both subskills-oriented and whole language teachers identified their classroom experiences as teachers as the single greatest influence on their beliefs about reading and reading instruction. (RS)

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) computer program developed at the University of Arizona. Explains that HOTS attempts to build thinking skills, encourage self-confidence, and improve standardized test scores, especially in reading and mathematics, among at-risk students in grades four through seven. (SG)

A total communication program was introduced to enhance the communication skills of 8 students, age 11-14, with severe and moderate retardation. The method gradually developed into a successful introductory reading program, with instruction focused on sight vocabulary and comprehension skills. (JDD)

Discusses research on Australian Aboriginal cognition which relates to the development of appropriate educational software. Describes "Tinja," a software program using familiar content and experiences, Aboriginal characters and cultural values, extensive graphics and animation, peer and group work, and open-ended design to help young…

Annotates (1) 28 professional books which deal with the whole language approach in the area of reading and writing; and (2) eight books to use as computer-related resources. (MG)

Describes recent efforts to infuse quality literature and related instructional strategies into a traditional reading/language arts program serving primarily limited-English-speaking students from economically disadvantaged home environments. (MG)

Comments on six points of belief commonly held by whole language teachers. Considers how computers can facilitate teaching and learning in ways that are consistent with those points of belief. (MG)

Shares a curriculum framework based on six aspects of literacy: ownership, reading comprehension, writing process, word identification, language and vocabulary knowledge, and voluntary reading. Notes that this framework is consistent with a whole literacy approach, and includes an assessment system and provisions for accountability. (MG)

Reports on a study testing the hypothesis that teachers' perceptions of children are strongly influenced by deficit concepts. The study focused on teachers' written observations and spoken comments regarding a group of children with learning difficulties. (NH)

Describes the successful use of the beginning reading program called Sing, Spell, Read, and Write (SSRW) in Aberdeen (Mississippi) elementary schools. Using a whole language rather than basal reading approach and emphasizing phonics and total immersion, SSRW has been instrumental in dramatically improving achievement test scores and in combating…

Describes the use of technology in education, observes that technology (film, radio, television, and computers) has had little impact on educational reform. Proposes that to control what happens in the future, educators must take a proactive stand to ensure that technology serves the needs of educators and students. (MG)