Learning loss pertains to the decline or regression in knowledge and abilities, as well as setbacks in academic advancement. This phenomenon typically arises from prolonged interruptions or gaps in the pupil's educational journey. Learning loss can be observed in diverse manifestations due to many factors. One example that can be illustrated is…

There is now a renewed emphasis in the UK on short intensive interventions to tackle reading failure. In this paper we report on the effect of a programme based on a view that reading problems are associated with the inability of the learner to deal with speech at the level of individual speech sounds even though they may be fully competent in the…

Research on subject matter instruction across the 20th century (e.g., Stevens, 1912; Bellack, 1966; Hoetker & Ahlbrand; 1969; Gall, 1970; Langer, 1999; Mehan, 1979; Nystrand, 1997;) reveals a preponderance of teacher-directed lecture, recitation, and round-robin reading of text in place of instruction that focuses on reading-to-learn, thinking,…

Reviews current studies predicting risk for reading disability. Studies indicate children at risk for reading failure can be identified early in their school career. Measures of phonological skills are useful components of prediction batteries, but other factors should be considered. Describes tools for early identification and discusses methods…

This report contends that limited vocabulary knowledge is the principal cause of reading dysfunction for a large percentage of students whose progress in learning to read appears normal during the first two or three years of reading instruction, but who begin to fall behind starting somewhere between grades 3 and 7. The report addresses the…

Reviews research concerned with factors contributing to the reading success and failure of children. (FL)

Traces the literary treatment of causes and symptoms of reading disabilities through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Points out several concepts which are changing the earlier diagnostic-remedial role of classroom teachers. (ARH)

Of all human maladies which account for learning disabilities among young and old alike, few remain as poorly understood and inconclusively defined as dyslexia. The general public perceives dyslexia to be a reading problem; some psychologists believe that dyslexia can stem from a low socio-economic status; educators see the term as involving…

Word recognition and reading failure are examined in this report using an interactive framework of the reading process based on the premise that reading is both a top-down and a bottom-up process, both conceptually guided and graphically based. Experiments are discussed that show that less-skilled readers are affected by anomalous contexts and…

Reviews research supporting the concept that girls usually outperform boys on tasks requiring verbal skills and that boys outperform girls on tasks using visual and spatial skills. Offers an explanation for this situation based on left brain/right brain research. Concludes that the curriculum in American schools is clearly left-brain biased. (FL)

In this article I critique six quantitative studies of Reading Recovery and five reviews of Reading Recovery research published in Tier 1 research journals--journals accepted as having high levels of "expert scrutiny" through peer review. I also critique several quantitative research studies of Reading Recovery published in Tier 2…

Recent reports on the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and reading disabilities include the following findings: many children are undernourished but not underfed; undernutrition may decrease learning time, interfere with learning at critical periods of development, and lead to motivational and personality changes; inadequate diet…

Examples showing how educational practices can result in students' reading difficulties are taken from the problem areas of: classroom atmosphere, reading attitudes, parental reactions, dull or difficult reading materials, limited reading resources, teaching practices, overemphasis on skills, and the individual needs of students. (JN)

Examines research on comparative differences in reading disabilities to determine whether findings corroborate the belief that learning to read in Japanese produces fewer reading disabilities resulting from its writing system. Suggests that there is no perfect orthography and that a small percentage of children will have difficulty in learning to…

This review of literature on stress and reading disabilities covers some affective research and theoretical footings. The research is considered in terms of historical research foundations (up to 1979) and recent research findings (1979-1989). The literature relates emotional stress either as cause, effect, or a concomitant aspect of reading…