In this article, the author describes some of the possible components needed to develop multilevel theory that support the scaling of reading interventions. Scaling can be defined in a number of ways: depth, sustainability, spread, and shift (see Coburn, 2003). The author treats "scaling" in this paper as it has been traditionally…

Edited by three authorities in the field, this "Handbook" presents contributions from experts across the world who report the cutting-edge of international research. It is ground-breaking in its holistic, evidence-informed account that aims to synthesize key messages for policy and practice in English, language and literacy teaching. A…

Discusses a study in which four low-achieving 12-year-old readers were trained to tutor similar age low-achieving readers in reading comprehension strategies. States that both tutors and students learned to use the strategies effectively and that both groups made substantial gains in comprehension. (GEA)

Investigates how a select group of New Zealand teachers organize their classrooms for reading instruction to avoid the pitfalls that may be associated with ability grouping and yet meet the needs of students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Offers 3 fundamental reasons why these groups may provide effective contexts for learning as one part…

Children's reading materials are a widely available cultural resource that children may draw on to make sense of gender. Much of the research on gender and reading materials has used content analysis and has focused on children's literature. The research we present in this article detours from these approaches, using a feminist post-structuralist…

Examined why New Zealand elementary students in composite versus single-grade classes showed slightly lower reading performance, comparing the range of students' reading abilities, the nature of teachers' groupings, and other aspects of instruction in pairs of composite and single-grade classes from nine schools. Composite classes did not appear…

Reading and mathematics learning activities were surveyed in eight special classes for mildly intellectually disabled children and eight regular classes with one mildly intellectually disabled child each. Children in special classes spent the most instructional time in individualized activities, whereas regular class students spent conspicuously…

This article presents an interview with Don Holdaway, early childhood educator and originator of "shared book experience." The article first provides a brief summary of themes embodied in Holdaway's first book, "The Foundations of Literacy." It then presents the interview with Holdaway, discussing literacy learning, big books,…

Presented by the originator of the project, this speech addresses Reading Recovery as a prevention model to reduce literacy problems, as a model of what an early intervention strategy based on grounded theory looks like, and as a breakthrough in a conceptual barrier pointing to what is possible. Sections of the speech include: (1) "Who Needs…

Results of a New Zealand survey showed that parents were interested in their children's reading progress but were not aware of the teaching strategies they could use to reinforce school learning. (GT)

A New Zealand study revealed that many secondary school reading tasks are both complex and potentially confusing for pupils. Researchers joined two classes at the junior high and high school levels, and followed the students to their major content area classes--English, math, science, and social studies--for two terms. Conversations with the 60…

The Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust with support from the Ministry of Education funded a home and school literacy project in nine Rotorua primary schools. The project funded each school to train a home-school liaison worker (either a school staff member or a community person) to assist schools in developing a working partnership with the students'…

Reviews several studies which support the success of a literature-based approach to literacy with various types of students (limited English speakers, developmental readers, remedial readers, etc.). Describes several common elements found in different literature-based programs, including the use of natural text, reading aloud, and sustained silent…

This paper discusses implications of ability grouping in elementary reading instruction according to current research, and how such research can be applied to the classroom practice of "guided reading" within a balanced literacy program. The paper suggests that the "balanced literacy" approach from New Zealand is basically the…

This paper addresses cognitive issues raised by the success of an early reading intervention program, Reading Recovery (originated in New Zealand and also used in Australia and the United States,) in which the great majority of students move from low reading achievement to average achievement for their age group within 12-15 weeks. The first…