This study focused on the predictive validity of fluency measures that comprise Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS). Data were gathered from first through third graders attending 44 schools in 9 districts or local educational agencies that made up the first Reading First cohort in Michigan. Students were administered DIBELS…

Researchers have studied the affects of class size on student achievement for years. Therefore, the size of classes presently is disturbing. In regards to class size reductions, Murphy, 1998 states that students enjoyed significantly greater improvements in test scores in reading, language arts, and math. A class size research study was conducted…

Using a nested two-way analysis of variances, in four Michigan elementary schools, no significant differences were found between the achievement of students taught with reading management techniques and those who were not. (Author/CM)

Teachers in Highland Park, Michigan, conducted research and began an interactive reading-instruction program for students who were not succeeding in school. Reciprocal teaching, which trains students to use four strategies (generating questions, summarizing, clarifying, and predicting) for improving reading comprehension, raised hopes,…

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO THE EDUCATION OF ALL YOUNGSTERS ACCORDING TO THEIR NEEDS IS A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE FLINT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS' INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM. FOUR DIFFERENT PLANS COMPRISE A SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS. THE FIRST THREE GRADES ARE INVOLVED IN THE PRIMARY CYCLE WHICH REPLACES THE TRADITIONAL FIRST, SECOND,…

Six years after passage of No Child Left Behind and midway to the nation's goal of having students on grade level or better in reading and math by 2014, more data than ever before has been collected about the academic performance of American students and schools. Information in this brochure charts student demographics, achievement-to-date and…

The purposes of this study were to determine and describe the effects of using the work-attack element of the Wisconsin Design for Reading Skills Development (WDRSD) as an instructional management system for improving the reading skills achievements of pupils in K-3. The subjects for the study were 1,759 pupils in grades K-3. The dependent…

Discusses effect of competition from charter schools and voucher programs on students who remain in public schools; focuses on Milwaukee (effect of vouchers), Arizona (charter schools) and Michigan (charter schools). By comparing test results between schools affected by competition and those not affected, argues competition improves public…

The 1971-72 educational assessment results from each of the school districts in Michigan are presented. Information on each of the district measures used in the 1971-72 Michigan Educational Assessment Program is presented in two ways. First, a figure is shown that represents the district's "score" on each measure. For example, the…

The intent of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 is to hold schools accountable for ensuring that all their students achieve mastery in reading and math, with a particular focus on groups that have traditionally been left behind. Under NCLB, states submit accountability plans to the U.S. Department of Education detailing the rules and…

The intent of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 is to hold schools accountable for ensuring that all their students achieve mastery in reading and math, with a particular focus on groups that have traditionally been left behind. Under NCLB, states have leeway to: (1) Craft their own academic standards, select their own tests, and define…

An action research project studied the attitudes and achievement of low-achieving fifth-grade students after participating in a 1-year heterogeneously grouped, literature-based reading program. The project explored the changes in student attitudes towards reading, and changes in students' knowledge in comprehension and vocabulary development.…

In 1990, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) included a Trial State Assessment (TSA); for the first time in NAEP's history, voluntary state-by-state assessments were made. In 1992, the NAEP Program included an expanded TSA in fourth-grade reading. The 1992 reading assessment considered students' performance in situations that…

The 1998 NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) state level reading assessment measured fourth- and eighth-grade students' reading proficiency in situations that involved reading for three purposes: reading for literary experience, reading to gain information, and reading to perform a task (grade 8 only). This report describes the…

A study examined whether students coming from low income families perform less well on achievement tests than do students in general. Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test scores of fourth grade students coming from low income, rural Michigan homes were compared to overall schoolwide and statewide average scores for the period…