The data suggest a pattern of overall improvement among students in the Southeast and notable improvements among Blacks in the Southeast in reading at ages 9 and 13 and in science at age 9. The article speculates on reasons for these improvements. (Author/IRT)

A study in German schools found that sex of teacher had no effect on either boys' or girls' reading achievement. (MKM)

An investigation of the relationship of four perceptual and perceptual-motor skills to two measures of reading achievement in normal and learning disabled children in the second grade suggested that deficits in perceptual skills are not highly related to reading performance. (MKM)

Two studies evaluated the Process-Based Reading Enhancement Program (PREP) with 150 grade 4 economically disadvantaged children. Pre- and posttesting with the Word Attack and Word Identification subtests of the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests-Revised found significant group-by-time interactions. Results support the efficacy of the PREP to improve…

Describes a reworking of a Title 1 program in Lake Forest, Delaware schools, to eliminate first grade retention due to substandard level of reading ability. The process included: (1) making reading fun; (2) new reading material; (3) parental participation; (4) scheduled reading time; (5) reading requirements; and (6) teachers' aides in classrooms.…

Investigated mediators of effects of preschool intervention on children's school achievement in sixth grade. Found that preschool participation was significantly associated with higher reading achievement, higher math achievement, and with lower incidence of grade retention. Cognitive readiness and parent involvement in school significantly…

A project based on the 1988 National Education Longitudinal Study showed that students in magnet schools scored higher on science, reading, and social studies tests than did students in comprehensive public high schools. Differences may be due to improved social relationships and/or allocation of additional resources from sponsoring school…

Developed and evaluated a middle school literacy program designed to meet the needs of urban early adolescents. Findings from evaluation in two schools implementing the Student Team Reading and Writing program and three comparison schools indicated higher achievement for program participants. (SLD)

Assessed the reading and mathematics abilities of kindergartners and first graders in the fall and spring of the school year. Found that younger first graders made as much progress over the year as older first graders and more than older kindergartners. Findings demonstrated that entrance age was not a good predictor of learning or academic risk.…

Elementary school students (N=75) with mild disabilities were monitored in reading and math before and after summer vacation and six weeks into the following school year using Curriculum-Based Measurement Probes. Results indicated significant regression following break. By recoupment measurement, students had regained proficiency and performed…

This article shows how an understanding of phonological awareness can help teachers improve the reading skills of their students, particularly those at risk of failure. It examines the necessary components for a well-scaffolded program and possible adaptations that would be needed for learners who are at risk and those with disabilities. (Contains…

Examines the factors that explain why teachers are able to accurately predict their students' future reading ability in a longitudinal study from first- to third-grade in children exposed to poverty. Notes that virtually all of the shared variance between teacher ratings and later reading skills was explained by prior levels of emergent literacy.…

A study investigated relationships among 59 elementary teachers' reading-related content knowledge, their philosophical orientation toward reading instruction, their classroom practice, and their students' learning. Relationships emerged between content knowledge and instruction and between kindergarten teachers' phonological knowledge and their…

Investigates student teachers' and beginning teachers' perceptions of the low reading group. Finds that student and beginning teachers perceive low reading groups significantly more negatively than they regard high reading groups. Notes that student teachers' perceptions at the start of their assignment were retained upon completion of their…

Presents findings from a longitudinal study of reading comprehension development that revealed a negative relationship between the amount of time kindergarten and first-grade teachers spend reading to their students' reading achievement. Results are discussed in terms of a "displacement theory." Students' reading achievement is related to their…