Beginning on the front cover, the superintendents of schools in four urban areas describe successful programs in their districts. They explain why individualized instruction improved reading achievement in Detroit (Michigan), while it was phased out in Red Bank (New Jersey); why Milwaukee's (Wisconsin) school organization is unique; and how…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of promising pupils that a letter would be sent to their parents if they showed "good" progress in English comprehension. Results indicated a larger significant increase in scores for those pupils who had been promised a letter to their parents than for those who had not been given this promise. (NRJ)

A study examined reading, demographic, social, and psychological factors related to preadolescent smoking and nonsmoking behaviors and attitudes. Variables studied included reading achievement, family involvement, and racial and sex differences. (Authors/CJ)

Reveals a clear relationship between teachers' aims and objectives and choice of class organization and that pupils taught in classes in which reading is heard in groups achieve higher reading standards than do those taught individually. Shows also the effects of time on the quality of instruction. (FL)

Concludes that the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT) provides valid predictions of student academic aptitude and is a reliable measure of reading attitude. Finds no significant correlation between the NDRT and student self-concept. (FL)

Examined the efficacy of the McCarthy Scales as a predictor of reading readiness and achievement in a kindergarten sample (N=33). Results confirmed the predictive validity of the McCarthy Scales and suggested that, for this sample, visual discrimination and sequential ability skills may have been more important factors than verbal abilities.…

Administered the Survey of Reading Attitudes to 68 intermediate-grade students to determine the reliability of the eight attitudinal dimensions which it measures. The test retest interval was seven days. Results showed the scores were relatively stable. Reading anxiety appeared to be a less stable dimension. (Author/JAC)

This survey of 106 two-year colleges in the Midwest indicates that 77 percent have assessment tests in writing and 72 percent in reading, and that English departments play a major role in communicating test results to students. (AEA)

Reports results of literacy tests of 5,500 10-year-old and 5,100 14-year-old students throughout Australia in 1980. Compares these results with those of testing in 1975, pointing out that in reading, overall results were almost identical, while in writing some tasks showed improvement. (JM)

One thousand seven hundred sixty-seven elementary school students in Georgia were tested for motor performance and for reading and mathematics abilities. The finding that motor performance variables were significantly related to reading and mathematics abilities suggests that motor performance objectives should be included in elementary school…