This article describes a reading improvement program operating in elementary schools near Copenhagen. Students take an annual reading test. The classroom teacher and the reading specialist review class scores to identify special-needs students and to plan reading program changes. General reading progress has been improved by this method. (SJL)

Finds that the keys to success were communication and collaboration between specialists and teachers. Notes that the participants expressed an awareness of the changing roles of reading specialists. Finds that major strengths were promoting self-esteem, fostering a love of reading, providing specialized instruction, serving as a student advocate,…

Explains how reading specialists can enhance both diagnosis and instruction of students. Argues that students, teachers, team members, and parents benefit when reading specialists are a part of multidisciplinary teams. Outlines potential contributions of reading specialists and how such specialists can offer specific assistance. Provides…

Evaluates the Portage Guide to Early Education, making recommendations for its future development. Reviews outcome studies that provide evidence of developmental acceleration for mildly delayed children. Argues that a wider range of dependent variables must be considered to accurately assess Portage's impact on both child and family. (JD)

Examines the Decoding Skills Test (DST), a criterion referenced, diagnostic instrument designed to identify deficiencies in word decoding. (JC)

Reports on a study that investigated the changes in roles and activities of reading specialists in an in-class program as compared to the pull-out program they had previously run. (FL)

The result of an institute held prior to the International Reading Association convention in 1977, this document focuses on competency requirements for various roles held by reading professionals and on training students of education to meet those competencies. Articles included in this document deal with the following specific topics: matching…

Accountability based on reading scores will only demoralize teachers who are trying hard in disadvantaged schools. A better response to reading failure would include improved teacher training and placement, ability grouping, reduced class size, adequate specialist support, and kindergarten reading. PS 209 in Queens utilizes several of these…

This journal issue deals with training teachers of reading. The four articles discuss a summer reading methods practicum that worked, how students rate their reading instructors, how reading consultants can survive school politics, and college students' perceptions of the fairness and the difficulty of examinations. (FL)

This qualitative study used theories of language and learning to explore the identities of one preservice teacher in a reading specialization program. Data sources included archived online course responses, interviews, journals, and an electronic portfolio. Analysis indicates that the participant used multiple discourses as an immigrant,…

Reading specialists in several San Diego schools assist both in providing tutoring to students and coach peers, a dual role that has helped to create and sustain schoolwide improvements in literacy. In just a few years, these high-poverty schools have doubled the number of 2nd graders reading at grade level.

Considers the merits and disadvantages of withdrawing students from timetabled lessons for periods of intensive teaching and those of its alternative, namely, support for the ordinary class or subject teacher during normal lessons. (NKA)

Inclusion of students with learning disabilities in regular education is explored as it relates to the in-class reading specialist. Issues discussed include the necessity for preservice and inservice preparation for assuming coteaching roles, the importance of personal empowerment of reading specialists, and the need for meaningful integration of…

Nine 16-17-year-old adjudicated males below grade level in reading participated in this data-based case study. Weekly, 5 students received instruction from "Corrective Reading Decoding" Level B2 (Engelmann et al., 1998) for 180 min, and 4 students received instruction designed by a reading specialist (RS group) for 345 min. After 19…

Outlines a development process that turns a reader into a mentor, someone who can recommend books to others with a high percentage of satisfied readers. Examines the influence of peers, teachers, and other adults for their ability to increase the amount and quality of what children read. (SRT)