A review of 17 studies on computer assisted instruction (CAI) in reading interventions for students with learning disabilities found most CAI programs employed drill and practice procedures, followed by strategy instruction, then simulation. The focus was split between word recognition and reading comprehension, followed by language/vocabulary,…

Presents case studies of two struggling reader/writers who found a "way in" to the world of literacy through nonnarrative texts. Argues for greater attention to nonnarrative in early literacy education. (SR)

K-W-L, a strategy for active reading appropriate for secondary education, models the thinking needed when reading expository texts in all content areas. Using a chart, students recall what they know (K), decide what they want to learn (W), and identify what they have learned (L). Steps in teacher preparation, classroom presentation, and class…

Presents a number of suggestions for using reading circles in elementary school French second-language instruction, including reading text selection, grouping, organizing discussions, knowing when to intervene, and student assessment techniques such as reading logs, passports, critical presentations, and negotiated evaluations. (MSE)

Explored reading-and-writing student teachers' representations of reading and writing practices, emphasizing their representations of text types used in several subjects. Surveys and focus groups indicated that student teachers had separate representations for the literacy practices of each discipline, and they preferred and had more detailed…

Presents two activities based on the poem, "Cat in the Snow," to help beginning readers learn to decode print and develop fluency. The first activity has students look at the poet's words. The second activity has students talk about the poet's language and message. A tear-our sheet offers the poem, "Cat in the Snow." (SM)

Recommends that teachers using a personalized literature-based reading program send a letter to parents detailing the expectations and responsibilities the teachers have for their students and the role parents play in the reading lives of children. Suggests ideas to be included in such a letter. (SR)

Reports on the long-term development, implementation, and assessment of a framework for beginning reading instruction (the Four Blocks Approach). Describes the framework and how it divides times fairly evenly between the four major historical approaches to reading instruction. Shows that the framework is very successful with children of a wide…

A study analyzed the instructional reading methods and reading assessment practices employed by 800 K-12 special education teachers. Results found that teachers are selecting reading instructional techniques that have research support from the literature, but are not including nontraditional assessment procedures, such as curriculum based…

This article discusses teaching strategies for reading and writing using computer software and Internet-based electronic materials for students with disabilities. Different types of educational software are described, along with prereading strategies, reading activities, and postreading activities. A list of literacy links on the World Wide Web is…

Presents a research-based, classroom tested assessment tool, the Classroom Fluency Snapshot (CFS). Presents the case of one classroom in which a teacher uses the CFS as a pre- and post-assessment. Shares rich classroom examples, details of the teacher's interpretation, and instructional decision making along with ideas for instruction. (SG)

Investigates ways in which alternative and authentic reading assessments would result in students of varying abilities increasing their self-expectations and performance levels. Finds that when given the opportunity to engage in performance-based activities and assessments, students with learning disabilities can begin to clarify their strengths…

A study investigated predictors of individual differences in responsiveness to word reading instruction in 55 typical first-graders and 41 identified as at-risk. A combination of rapid naming speed, letter sound knowledge, and phonemic awareness skill predicted word and nonword reading growth in the at-risk group. Growth modeling increased reading…

A survey of 1,663 teachers of students with blindness examined their attitudes about braille literacy. This article summarizes their comments concerning teaching braille, making the print-braille decision, use of technological devices, the importance of braille as a learning medium, use of slate and stylus, teachers' braille skills, legislation,…

An instructional prereading using American Sign Language (ASL) was effective in improving the ability of 7 prelingually deaf children (ages 11 and 12) to understand and retell a story after reading it in print. A six-step procedure for using the ASL technique is explained. Other applications of the technique and its appropriateness for public…