Discusses conventional theory of speech and attempts to prove that it is implausible and likely to mislead the reading researcher or teacher who follows it. Offers and supports an alternative theory that is more plausible and less conventional which argues that phonologic structures developed early in life provide a basis for reading…

Presents a model of literacy based on five habits of effective reading teachers. Explains the rationale and theory that supports: (1) the importance of choice; (2) teaching for continuous progress; (3) curriculum integration; (4) individual conferencing, and (5) child-centered, child-directed activities. (NH)

Summarizes research in teacher preparation. Argues that a great deal is known about the training of teachers but much less about the teaching of teachers. Reviews research in areas of training and teaching of teachers and points toward promising practices in the area of teaching teachers. Concludes with recommendations for a research agenda in…

The authors define phonics as a system for encoding speech sounds into written symbols and for teaching learners to use the relationship between letters and sounds to recognize words. The origin of the term "explicit, systematic phonics" is traced historically through studies and reviews of phonics instruction and policy documents. Results from a…

First-year students in literature-based composition courses do not read the way instructors would desire and do not seem to respond actively enough to their reading, judging by both the lukewarm responses in classroom discussions and the superficiality of their written reactions. In an attempt to make students respond actively to their reading,…

James Gee has suggested that video games can teach us important lessons about learning and that we can learn about teaching from these games. Reading research and the words of the author's daughter are the basis of an exploration of the learning principles Gee identifies. He explains that video games are successful in engaging children and…

There are a number of principles that teachers of reading and administrators need to keep in mind to ensure that Response to Intervention (RTI) enables struggling literacy learners to achieve success within the provisions of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). The author argues for evidence-based RTI…

This issue of the Arizona Reading Journal focuses on the theme "reading recovery" and includes the following articles: "Why Is an Inservice Programme for Reading Recovery Teachers Necessary?" (Marie M. Clay); "What Is Reading Recovery?" (Gay Su Pinnell); "Teaching a Hard To Teach Child" (Constance A.…

Hiring qualified reading professionals is a complex process involving a variety of considerations. The "Standards of Reading Professionals (revised in 1994 by the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee of the International Reading Association) provides a framework for the knowledge base reading educators should possess. However, other…

Survey of teacher attitudes toward reading instruction at the primary level provides several ideas for improving reading programs. (RB)

Questions some of the techniques currently used in reading courses because they reinforce such poor reading skills as short attention span. (RB)

Argues that in working with problem readers the reading instructor needs training and practice in counseling techniques. (RB)

Reading instructors have valuable expertise to share with writing instructors to improve the writing ability of students. Writing instructors often give reading assignments to provide topics for students' essays or discussion, without understanding the reading process. A reading teacher can (1) show the writing instructor how to determine the…

Both research about what teachers do that makes a difference in pupil learning and observation of teaching practices give information about what is effective and helpful in teaching reading. Research shows that effective teachers spend more time in task-related activities and less time dealing with matters unrelated to course content. They…