Evaluates whether the "Degrees of Reading Power" reading achievement test (1) is a testing and teaching tool; (2) is a valid reading assessment; (3) should be used for third grade; and (4) correlates with other reading tests. Questions whether the test's Readability Report information really reflects test scores. (SR)

Longitudinal study of literary acquisition among first-graders (N=166) from two distinct linguistic communities in a rural Moroccan town showed that the significant differences in Arabic (first literacy) reading achievement between Berber- and Arabic-speaking groups disappeared by the fifth grade. (Author/CB)

The study of the performance of 55 learning-disabled college students on the Raven's Progressive Matrices and other tasks found: (1) a negative correlation between visual-motor skills and written language, (2) a positive correlation between visual organization/memory and mathematics, and (3) a positive correlation between auditory memory and…

Compared two forms of word identification training to promote transfer of learning by dyslexic children. One program taught phonological analysis and blending skills and provided direct instruction of letter-sound correspondences; the other taught the acquisition, use, and monitoring of four metacognitive decoding strategies. Both approaches were…

Elaborates on issues surrounding the whole language debate, particularly the issue of qualitative research. Discusses differences in what the opposing parties mean by "research." Submits that, although it is reasonable to hold teachers accountable for learning, there are valid criticisms of traditional standardized testing. Speculates…

School reform efforts at one ungraded elementary school were evaluated using classroom-based assessment tasks. Students at risk due to disadvantagement tended to perform better than students receiving special education services on reading and written expression tasks. Letter-sound knowledge and reading fluency differentiated between students who…

Two Hispanic-American first grade girls were studied for one year by naturalistic and qualitative methods. The child for whom the teacher had low expectations did very well at reading, whereas the child of whom more was expected did less well. Why this occurred is discussed. (SLD)

Describes over 20 picture books that motivate beginning readers to become more proficient at reading and to develop a love of reading. Discusses the role of illustrations in engaging the reader and contributing to story development. Recommends parental assistance to help children enjoy the books' humor and subtitles. (JB)

Compares effectiveness of computer-based instruction in K-2 to traditional instruction on the reading and writing achievement of second graders. Finds educationally significant effect sizes on comparisons of reading scores and measures of writing in favor of the computer-based instruction group for at-risk students. Suggests that computer-based…

Argues there is reason for more optimism concerning the effects of reading to preschoolers than suggested by the Scarborough and Dobrich review in this issue (PS522390). Discusses methodological problems in many studies; cites studies indicating direct and indirect links between reading to preschoolers and reading achievement, suggesting that…

The ability of 78 disabled and nondisabled second, third, and fourth graders to discriminate between syllables that were vowels and syllables beginning with liquid and plosive consonants was studied. The results suggest that children with reading disabilities experience a deficit in processing phonemic information within syllables. (SLD)

Neglected, or physically or sexually abused, children performed poorer on standardized tests, received lower grades, were more likely to repeat a grade and had more discipline referrals than nonmaltreated children. Among maltreated children, neglected children showed the poorest academic performance, and physically abused children had the most…

Examines the kinds of instruction that foster student engagement with literature and the effects of such instruction on achievement. Describes the manifestations of procedural and substantive forms of engagements, explains how they relate differently to student outcomes, and offers some empirical propositions using data on literature instruction…

Longitudinal data from 104 children administered the Slingerland Procedures in kindergarten and achievement tests in later grades found significant relationships between Slingerland measures and reading outcomes, with prediction varying across grades and according to the reading measure used. Listening contributed to reading comprehension but not…

Thirty-four children (ages 5-16) born to alcoholic mothers were assessed on measures of intelligence, reading, receptive vocabulary, memory for sentences, visual memory, and visual-motor integration. The children were found to be least deficient on intellectual measures and most deficient on memory for sentences and silent and oral readings.…