This paper presents three studies of science learning using language-based measures. Studies of a total of 211 disabled and nondisabled students found significant differences in comprehension and reading fluency on science-related material, indicating that students with disabilities will not learn effectively when science education is primarily…

Describes a program for potentially gifted learning-disabled (LD) college students that is designed to provide strategies for LD students to become autonomous learners and to supply graduate education students in-depth training in tutoring LD students. Provides case studies highlighting the individualized approach required to meet students' needs.…

Determines whether three groups of readers (normally achieving, poor comprehenders, and reading disabled) differed in their ability to cope with reading comprehension task demands. Finds that the groups differed with respect to their performance on specific question-answer types and their standardized reading comprehension scores. Suggests that…

Examines the effectiveness of self-questioning and summarization instruction on adult poor readers enrolled in adult education programs. Demonstrates the benefit of teaching text comprehension strategies to adults who are poor readers. (RS)

This study to determine the validity of the Blind Learning Aptitude Test (BLAT), involving 30 students, found significant correlations between scores on the BLAT and braille oral reading speed, comprehension, age, grade, years of blindness, intelligence, and achievement. The correlation was greater between the BLAT and comprehension than between…

Examines the relationship among sources of interest, perceived interest, and text recall. Reveals (through factor analysis) six different sources of interest. Suggests sources of interest affect perceived interest, which in turn affects recall. Suggests that text structure appears to play an important role in perceived situational interest and,…

This study assessed the effects of curriculum on technical features (criterion validity and developmental growth rates) within curriculum-based measurement in reading with 91 elementary level handicapped and nonhandicapped students. Correlations between oral reading samples and reading comprehension as well as developmental growth rates were…

This study examined the contributions of phonological awareness, rapid naming, and verbal memory to the reading and spelling skills of 54 children (ages 7-12) with severe reading disabilities. Five academic tasks were examined: word attack, word identification, spelling, prose passage speed and accuracy, and reading comprehension. (Author/JDD)

This study used computer word games to train 35 dyslexic readers (mean age 13 years) in automaticity (speed and accuracy) of word recognition. After training, reaction time on the word vocalization and sentence comprehension tasks improved significantly for both trained and untrained stimuli. Results support the automaticity hypothesis. (DB)

Advocates using the newspaper to improve reading and writing skills of remedial secondary students. Discusses using the newspaper with regard to disabled readers, enhancement of comprehension, critical thinking skills, increased vocabulary, creative writing opportunities, increased general knowledge, and extension activities. (SR)

Uses a "New York Times" story about a bloody international conflict to measure (with college students) the effect of adding background and context information within the story itself and in a separate graphic on reader understanding of the background and context of the dramatic event. Finds that both techniques are highly effective. (NKA)

Explores what is meant by reading, noting that to read is to respond appropriately to a specific consensus centered on certain values and that the consensus is achieved among persons whose paths through life have come together with members of dominant discourses in society. (SLD)

Israeli programs that have been used to teach children to read Hebrew braille are described, and a reading scheme called "Secrets and Surprises" is presented. The method uses an eclectic approach, emphasizes comprehension and the communicative element of reading, and offers a variety of presentation modes to meet individual students'…

Reports on part of a project that was investigating the reading requirements of second-language students beginning the study of a new subject. It is suggested that such students may have problems achieving full comprehension because of a lack of an appropriate schema for approaching the textbook. (19 references) (JL)

Investigates whether readers are aware of and have any preferences about paragraph length. Finds that readers are aware and have a more positive attitude toward writing with paragraphs of less than 100 words. Finds that paragraph length does not affect attitudes toward the expertise of the writer, ease of comprehension, or quality of the passage.…