Examined tracking in a large urban school system with respect to how classroom conditions, resources, and teaching methods compared in 20 remedial and 20 regular tracked first-grade classes. Found that teaching methods and activities varied across subjects but were constant across tracks. (ET)

Reports on a study of reading and writing skills of 110 French and German first-grade students. Finds that the best way to help children to learn to read is to encourage them to read material for content rather than by using training exercises external to reading. (CFR)

Results of a microanalysis of 3,003 oral reading errors by 116 second and third graders support the idea that the actions of students and teachers during error episodes are situated in social contexts, emerging in response to a dynamic interplay of factors that converge at particular moments. (SLD)

An increase in understanding of the cognitive processes involved in reading and writing can improve teachers' effectiveness. Results from a survey of 48 states indicate that certification requirements for teaching reading and writing at elementary, secondary, and adult education levels are minimal. Implications for teacher education are discussed.…

Defines the notion of literacy scaffold and explains why literacy scaffolding applies to both first- and second-language learners. Offers criteria for teachers to apply in developing scaffolds. Illustrates the model with scaffolding activities used with elementary children, emphasizing the kinds of social contexts that optimize learning. (MG)

Provides fully developed library media activities that are designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units. Topics covered include art (U.S. folk art); reading/language arts (dramatizing story events); science (simple machines); and social studies (state and federal legislatures, and explorers). (LRW)

Factors influencing English word identification performance of 27 Spanish-speaking beginning readers (grade 1) were investigated. Performance on English word and pseudoword recognition tests was predicted by Spanish phonological awareness and Spanish word recognition. Implications for instruction of beginning readers are discussed. (SLD)

Provides seven fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, music, reading and language arts, and social studies. Library media skills, objectives, grade levels, instructional roles, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)

The "at-risk" designation attached to low-achieving children frequently sets them up for failure. Remedial programs are often ineffective, and skill drills rob students of in-context reading opportunities. Models like Success for All are so prescriptive that students cannot participate in open-ended discussions of literature. Unjust…

Describes a teacher's experiences developing and implementing a three-week interdisciplinary unit for fourth grade students that revolves around the Alaskan Iditarod sled dog race. Students read about the race history, figure out a racing budget, learn about animal breeding and care, and follow the actual progress of the racing teams via Internet…

Presents the 1998 position statement regarding early literacy development formulated by the International Reading Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Outlines issues and reviews research. Offers a set of principles and recommendations for teaching practices and public policy. Includes a continuum of…

Provides five fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in art, home economics, social studies, reading, language arts, and science. Library Media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each…

Advocates building literacy-related partnerships with families. Provides relevant strategies for teachers, including: (1) recognizing existing literacy; (2) getting clear about the basics; (3) looking for teachable moments to coach children in reading and writing; (4) exploring what makes a book good; and (5) partnering with families to make…

Provides five fully developed library media activities that are designed for use with specific curriculum units in reading and language arts, science, social studies, and music. Library media skills, curriculum objectives, grade levels, resources, instructional roles, procedures, evaluation, and follow-up are described for each activity. (LRW)

Evaluates the "fit" between literacy educators and Internet use through survey and written journal responses during an Internet course. Literacy educators were drawn to teacher-teacher e-mailing, electronic (telecommunications) library research, to the Web, and to a far lesser extent listserv subscriptions and e-mailing for classroom students.…