Tested hypothesis that achievement would be maximized by matching student's Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-identified processing strength with sequential or simultaneous instruction. Findings from analyses of data from three students with strengths in sequential processing and three students with strengths in simultaneous processing…

First and second graders (n=285) received one of three types of classroom reading programs: (1) direct instruction in letter-sound correspondence; (2) less direct instruction in sound-spelling patterns; and (3) implicit instructions in the alphabetic code while reading connected text. Results show advantages of reading programs that emphasize…

Developed and evaluated an explicit approach to teaching students to engage in elaborated help-giving during collaborative group work in reading. Found that grade level and treatment exerted statistically significant and practically sizable effects on the help that students provided their peers. (Author/LPP)

Examines sibling position as an influence on reading perceptions. Finds that elementary and secondary preservice teachers from the "first born" group viewed themselves primarily as "high" proficiency readers (83%); those from the "youngest" group also perceived themselves as "high" proficiency readers (63%); and those from the "middle" sibling…

Developed as a retention alternative, the Summer Accelerated Learning Time (SALT) program combines two effective strategies, providing one-on-one tutoring within an extended-year framework for students at risk of early reading failure. An evaluation showed a 1.1 mean reading level change for 22 SALT participants. (10 references) (MLH)

Claims the Australian Literacy Benchmarks for Year 3 and Year 5 set unrealistic standards, are educationally unworkable, and represent an unacceptably imprecise and confusing set of statements and criteria. Compares the Literacy Benchmarks with the New South Wales English Language and Literacy Assessment (ELLA). Claims the Benchmarks represent a…

Studies 89 multiethnic families with four-year-old children in the Netherlands to measure home literacy over a period of years. Tests and assesses children after formal reading instruction. Supports the hypothesis that home literacy is multifaceted. (PA)

Three studies investigated the effectiveness of the Computer Assisted Reading Diagnosis, a diagnostic system based on "rauding" theory (a collection of theories, constructs, and equations developed to describe, explain, predict and control the ability to comprehend relatively easy sentences) and a causal model of reading achievement.…

California holds special-education students accountable for statewide assessments, district content and performance standards, and the general-education core curriculum. Key performance indicators provide concrete data to the state and help schools demonstrate whether all their students are achieving. The Centralia District's reading…

Presents an open letter to President Clinton regarding his statements about reading standards and testing made in his 1997 State of the Union Address. Points out serious problems in having a national reading standard and trying to get every fourth grader to meet that standard. Discusses problems with curing the so-called reading problem by use of…

Examines the effectiveness of Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) for first-grade readers as a tool for enhancing reading achievement of different learner types, particularly low achievers. States that 10 teachers incorporated PALS into their reading program. Indicates all learner types were positively affected by participation in PALS, with…

Study examines first-grade students' growth in oral reading fluency as predicted by their kindergarten letter-naming and letter-sound fluency using growth curve analysis. Results reveal that kindergarten letter-naming fluency uniquely contributed to the prediction of first-grade reading growth. Findings also reveal that Native American and…

Considers how educators need to know more about self-esteem in males and females of different grades with different reading achievement levels. Attempts to determine the difference of fourth and sixth graders' self-esteem. Suggests that educators must do more to instill a genuine curiosity and love for reading to have boys in our nation's schools…

A study of 60 successful males and females with reading disabilities found both genders developed high level literacy skills through avid reading of high interest texts, females were more likely to be discouraged from pursuing academic interests, and both genders were discouraged from pursuing mathematics and science. (Contains references.)…

Between 1970 and 1988, the African-American/white achievement gap was halved; progress halted during the 1990s. Latino students made substantial progress until 1992. Increasing minority and low-income students' achievement levels requires focusing on what really matters: high standards, a challenging curriculum, and good teachers. (MLH)