In a review of research on computer assisted instruction (CAI) related to reading, evidence collected provides tentative conclusions about CAI effectiveness. CAI was effective as an instructional medium in the surveyed studies. In a number of instances, CAI groups achieved higher scores than the control groups. Some studies indicated that CAI…

Research indicates that the use of children's literature can have a positive effect on both reading achievement and reading attitudes. The overemphasis on skills and the exclusive use of the basal reader does not appear to motivate students to become readers. Educators should be exposing children to worthwhile literature in order to motivate them…

Twenty-one studies of the effectiveness of various grouping plans for elementary reading instruction are reviewed in this paper. Following the review, the studies are summarized according to the grade level with which they dealt, and conclusions are drawn regarding the most effective grouping plans. Among the conclusions reported are: (1) no one…

This issue describes the state of reading and literacy in the United States from kindergarten into adulthood. Data from a number of sources make it possible to draw a picture of literacy at all educational levels. The most striking and troubling observation is the wide differentials between racial and ethnic groups, beginning in kindergarten and…

The principles of readability are in every style manual. Readability formulas are in every writing aid. What is missing is the research and theory on which they stand. This short review of readability research spans 100 years. The first part covers the history of adult literacy studies in the U.S., establishing the stratified nature of the adult…

Summarizes research from the California Assessment Program (1980) and the Foundation for Child Development (1976) concerning the relationship between student academic achievement and television viewing habits. Television in children's lives today and academic achievement--reading, mathematics, written expression--are discussed. Four references are…

There exists a controversy as to whether or not minimal competency testing in the area is a sound educational practice. A review of reading research in three areas, developmental reading, functional reading and recreational reading was conducted to provide data relevant to the controversy. (RD)

Reports that reading achievement in the elementary grades is consistently rising and that older students may not be developing the higher level reading skills. (AEA)

Modern educators recognize vernacular Black English as a variety of English that has its own system and rules. However, since most reading materials and school texts are in standard English, reading difficulties are often found in Black children who use a nonstandard dialect. The effects of negative teacher attitudes are described, and…

Reviews studies of the relationship between television viewing and children's interest and achievement in reading; points out that the relationship is complex and that further research studies using more sophisticated measures of viewing and reading behavior need to be conducted before conclusions are made. (ET)

The techniques of meta-analysis were used to integrate statistically the findings from 31 studies on the relationship of auditory-visual integration and reading achievement. A total of 146 correlations were collected and aggregated across assessment procedures, reading skills, grade levels, and subject characteristics. (Author/SJL)

A summary of research findings suggests cultural expectations account for the difference in reading achievement between boys and girls. (Author/MLF)

Reports on changes in reading skills of students for the period 1970-90; the progress made by 9- and 14-year-old students in 1990; and the efficiency of reading pedagogy in United States schools compared with efficiencies in other leading industrial countries. Finds that reading progress in the United States is the worst among leading industrial…

Describes 2 points of view about the relationship between oral-language and literacy skills: The phonological sensitivity approach posits that vocabulary provides the basis for phonological sensitivity, which then is the key language ability supporting reading, and the comprehensive language approach posits that varied language skills interact…

States that reading incentives have not been critically examined as to their effectiveness in promoting positive attitudes toward reading, more frequent reading, or increased proficiency. Examines available evidence on the effect of reading incentives in school and library programs for students. Concludes there is no clear causal relationship…