This article reviews the literature and presents data from a study that examined the effects of professional development in scientifically based reading instruction on teacher knowledge and student reading outcomes. The experimental group consisted of four first- and second-grade teachers and their students (n = 33). Three control teachers and…

During the 1890s, the library media specialty was established through "a School Library Section as an integral part of the National Education Association" (Cole 90). In the ensuing decades, this role has expanded and changed; it demands a balancing act between the more traditional roles surrounding books and reading, and the newer expectations and…

The present paper explores the process of integrating the Internet into the field of English language teaching in the light of the following points: the general importance of the Internet in our everyday lives shedding some light on the increasing importance of the Internet as a new innovation in our modern life; benefits of using the Internet in…

In reading research, studies on good and poor reader characteristics abound. However, these findings remain largely scattered in applied linguistics and cognitive and educational psychology. This paper attempts to synthesize current theory and research on the topic in the past 20 years along 3 dimensions: language knowledge and processing ability,…

Studies of Down's Syndrome five to seven year olds suggest that many teachers in special schools are teaching Down's Syndrome children to read before age seven. (CL)

Reports that the rule governing the words in the title category are so unreliable as to be useless. (Author/FL)

Recent consensus documents are reviewed to define research-based practices in early reading instruction. Examples of professional development that incorporates research-based practices are provided, with particular reference to the Texas Reading Initiative and the authors research project in Houston and in Washington, DC. Data relating gains in…

Experts agree that reading is the most important skill children must acquire. However, as the popular press often chides, there are millions of U.S. students who struggle to read and comprehend adequately. As a result, these students risk both school and workplace failure. Research confirms that good readers actively comprehend and simultaneously…

This article examines recent research and developments relating to the role of phonemic awareness and phonics in early literacy education and the relevance of these findings for school counsellors and teachers. It defines and reviews the role of phonemic awareness and phonics in theoretical models of reading processes, including whole-language,…

The authors reviewed studies on teaching reading comprehension to students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with a focus on text (academic reading) comprehension and sight word (functional) comprehension. Eleven of 754 studies met the inclusion criteria: participants with ASD, published in English in a peer-reviewed journal, and use of an…

Reviews theory and research relating to fluency instruction and development. Found that fluency instruction is generally effective; assisted approaches seem to be more effective than unassisted approaches; repetitive approaches do not seem to hold a clear advantage over nonrepetitive approaches; and effective fluency instruction moves beyond…

How the Greeks taught reading is not only historically interesting but also relevant to educational concerns today. (JT)

Discusses how knowledge of past reading instruction can enable educators to have a better understanding of contemporary practices and the advantages to the researcher of dual training as historian and reading educator. Offers specific methodological criteria for engaging in or evaluating historical research in reading instruction. (Author/FL)

Concludes that while aspects of the reviewed test may be criticized, overall it is a fine observational tool that provides information about what a child knows about print. (FL)

Discusses the question, "What is the best method of teaching beginning reading?" (FL)